Rugby Community Divided Over 20-Minute Red Card Proposal

The proposed rule allowing a red-carded player to be replaced after 20 minutes faces opposition from French rugby authorities and mixed reactions from players.

• World Rugby is considering a 20-minute red card rule, allowing teams to replace a red-carded player after 20 minutes, pending a decision at the November 14 World Rugby Council meeting.
• French rugby authorities, including the FFR, LNR, and players' union Provale, strongly oppose the trial, citing potential risks to player safety and the integrity of the game.
• Critics argue that the rule could encourage aggressive play and reduce the deterrent effect of red cards, compromising player welfare.
• Some players express support for trialing the rule, suggesting it might balance game dynamics without fully penalizing teams for red card offenses.
• Statistics from the French rugby federation suggest that a red card does not always lead to defeat, with teams losing only 60% of matches when a player is red-carded.

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