The Kenya Rugby Referee Association has confirmed use of the World Rugby global law trials during the new season which kicks off with the Nationwide playoffs on Saturday 6 November 2021.
Most significant of these law trials is the 50:22 rule which states that if the team in possession kicks the ball from inside their own half indirectly into touch inside their opponents’ 22, they will throw into the resultant lineout. The ball cannot be passed or carried back into the defensive half for the 50:22 to be played. The phase must originate inside the defensive half. The primary intention of this law is to encourage the defensive team to put more players in the backfield, thereby creating more attacking space and reducing defensive line speed.
Links to law
The other law trials are
Goal line drop-out
The trial
If the ball is held up in in-goal, there is a knock-on from an attacking player in in-goal or an attacking kick is grounded by the defenders in their own in-goal, then play restarts with a goal line drop-out anywhere along the goal line.
Primary intention
To encourage variety in attacking play close to the goal line and to increase ball in play time by replacing a scrum with a kick that must be taken without delay. An opportunity for counter attack is also created.
Links to law
Law 12 (restart kicks section)
Law 21.16
Goal line drop-out
The trial
If the ball is held up in in-goal, there is a knock-on from an attacking player in in-goal or an attacking kick is grounded by the defenders in their own in-goal, then play restarts with a goal line drop-out anywhere along the goal line.
Primary intention
To encourage variety in attacking play close to the goal line and to increase ball in play time by replacing a scrum with a kick that must be taken without delay. An opportunity for counter attack is also created.
Links to law
Law 12 (restart kicks section)
Law 21.16
Flying wedge
The trial
To sanction the three person pre-bound mini-scrum by redefining the flying wedge.
Primary intention
To reduce number of events where the ball carrier and multiple support players are in contact (latched) prior to contact, and to protect the tackler who can be faced with the combined force of three opposing players.
Links to law
New definition of ‘latched’
Amended definition of ‘flying wedge’
Deletion of definition of ‘cavalry charge’
Law 9.22
1-player pre-latched
The trial
To recognise the potential for 1-player pre-latching prior to contact, but this player must observe all of the requirements for a first arriving player, particularly the need to stay on their feet.
Primary intention
To be more consistent in the management of the 1-person pre-latched player.
Cleanout and the safety of the jackler
The trial
To introduce a sanction for clean outs which target or drop weight onto the lower limbs.
Primary intention
To reduce injury risk to the player being cleaned out.
Links to law
New definition of ‘jackler’
Law 9.20
