Referees aim for faster rugby during DHL Super Rugby Pacific and Sky Super Rugby Aupiki
Officials to reduce time for TMO, scrums, lineouts, and minor injury stoppages
Goal line drop out, 20 minute red card rule, 50:22 and golden point to feature
DHL Super Rugby Pacific and Sky Super Rugby Aupiki referees squads confirmed
Fast, free flowing rugby to be the focus of players, coaches and referees during this season’s DHL Super Rugby Pacific and Sky Super Rugby Aupiki competitions.
Reducing the time taken at scrums and lineouts, playing on from minor injuries, fewer TMO involvements and no captain’s challenges have all been identified as ways to reduce stoppages and speed up the game for fans.
Goal line drop-out, 20-minute red card replacement, 50:22 and golden point will also feature across the competitions. These four laws were successfully used to speed up games and create excitement across Australian and New Zealand rugby in 2021.
New Zealand Rugby General Manager Professional Rugby & Performance Chris Lendrum said the focus on the speed of games was aimed at creating a spectacle for fans.
“DHL Super Rugby Pacific is played at an incredibly high tempo, and we think the skills on display are the best in the world. Fans want to see fast, continuous rugby with less stoppages and we’re committed to making that happen.
“This has been a collective effort between Rugby Australia, SANZAAR, broadcasters and the players, coaches and referees to support fast and entertaining matches. We’re always working to improve the game for fans, whilst also balancing player safety.”
During games, referees will manage the time taken at set pieces, with players given 30 seconds to be ready to form scrums and ensure lineouts are set up and completed without delay. Referees will also look to play on from minor injuries and TMOs are expected to allow the on-field match officials to make more decisions.
NZR National Referee Manager Bryce Lawrence said there had been real buy-in from all parties to create more opportunities for attacking rugby.
“It’s great to have the coaches, players and referees working together again this season. We all want to support quick ball at the breakdown so we can create space for our x-factor players. Fewer stoppages will also mean players are likely to fatigue and hopefully we’ll see more space for attacking rugby.”
Lawrence added that reducing TMO involvement was a key focus for match officials this season.
“We’re wanting the on-field referee and the two assistant referees to make more decisions live to reduce stoppages. You’ll only see the TMO coming in if they’re asked for help on a try decision, the on-field referee team are clearly wrong or if there’s been serious foul play missed.”
Rugby Australia General Manager of Professional Rugby Services, Ben Whitaker said:
“The global law trials carried through into the DHL Super Rugby Pacific competition have proven to be very effective in furthering our game. These competition variations will ensure players and teams can showcase the Rugby power of the Pacific to fans around the region and world.”
Six New Zealand Rugby referees have been selected as part of a team of 12 match officials for DHL Super Rugby Pacific, and a further six appointed by Rugby Australia.
Experienced referees Mike Fraser, Ben O’Keeffe and Paul Williams, Brendon Pickerill and James Doleman all return. Auckland referee Angus Mabey is set to make his Super Rugby debut this season after consistent performances at domestic level.
Tiana Ngawati, Lauren Jenner and Maggie Cogger-Orr are the three referees selected to officiate Super Rugby Aupiki.
Until the relocation to Queenstown, each of the DHL Super Rugby Pacific referees have been based alongside a team, as part of a NZR initiative.
Brendon Pickerill (Blues), Mike Fraser (Chiefs), Ben O’Keeffe (Hurricanes), Paul Williams (Crusaders), James Doleman (Highlanders) and Angus Mabey (Moana Pasifika) have trained alongside the teams and provided rugby law advice. In every case, no referee will officiate their respective teams.
DHL Super Rugby Pacific kick off this Friday 18 February when the Waratahs take on the Fijian Drua in Sydney.
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