Overview
- World Rugby’s 2024 enforcement outlaws escort or glove blocking around a receiver during aerial contests.
- Rassie Erasmus, Mzwandile Stick and Felix Jones argue the shift improves safety by removing third-party interference and rewards genuine contests.
- Former Test referee Jaco Peyper says this is a re-application of existing offside and obstruction law rather than a new rule.
- England fullback Freddie Steward advocates requiring a genuine attempt to catch contestable kicks and suggests referees could apply one-handed knock-on guidance immediately.
- Erasmus opposes proposals to reintroduce escorting and to alter scrum engagement or reduce TMO involvement, warning against late changes before the 2027 World Cup.