“Following World Rugby’s decision to implement global experimental rules in all competitions starting from January 1, 2025, the EPCR confirms that these experimental rules will be adopted from the third day of the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup,” the body announced in a press release.
In France, where the competitions depend on the National Rugby League (LNR), these rules will be applied in Top 14 from the 15th day and in Pro D2 from the 18th day.
Change on the touches and scrums
A limit of 60 seconds will thus be put in place for entering a transformation, in order to align it with that of penalties, just as a limit of 30 seconds of preparation for touches, to align it with that of scrums.
It will also be possible to play an uncontested hit, even when the throw is not straight, which previously gave rise to a scrum. Finally, scrum halves will be better protected behind scrums, rucks and mauls.
Promoted by World Rugby, these rules are intended to “encourage speed, spaces and phases of contest, and improve the experience for fans and players”.
>> The ranking and calendar of Pro D2
This change of rule during the season by the EPCR and the LNR is explained by the desire for consistency with the Six Nations Tournament, which begins at the end of January, and where they will also be implemented.
Senegal
