As a result of World Rugby law trials across the Rugby Championship and the Autumn Internationals in 2024, the following law changes will be implemented in the 2025 Guinness Men's Six Nations. Here's a simple guide to those law changes and adaptations:-

Referees Go "On Mic!"
A standout success from last year’s Tests was referees going ‘on mic’ to explain key decisions in real-time. This brought a new level of clarity to fans in the stadium and at home, creating a stronger connection to the action. Expect this feature to continue, bringing you even closer to the decisive moments.

Introducing "Touchfinder": Tech meets tradition
Debuting in the Six Nations 2025 is ‘Touchfinder’, an evolution of Smart Ball technology. Designed to assist assistant referees, it precisely identifies where the ball crosses the touchline on kicks. Say goodbye to contentious touchline calls and hello to pinpoint accuracy

New Global Law Trials: Approved and Rejected

On 14 November 2024, the World Rugby Council signed off on several new global law trials set to shake up the game from 2025. Here’s what’s in and what’s not:

What’s In:
Faster Conversions: Kickers now have just 60 seconds to take their shot.
Streamlined Lineouts: Teams must form the lineout within 30 seconds.
Cleaner Set-Piece Play: New restrictions on player actions around rucks, mauls, and scrums to promote faster ball flow.
Uncontested Lineouts: If the ball isn’t thrown straight and there’s no contest, play on.
What’s Out (For Now):
One-Stop Mauls
Marks from Kick-Offs/Restarts
20-Minute Red Card Replacements (decision deferred to 2025)

Key Law Changes in Detail

Timings: Faster Play, Less Downtime
Conversions: Kickers now have 60 seconds from when the try is awarded. Failure to comply? Kick disallowed.
Lineouts: Teams have 30 seconds to form up. Take longer, and it’s a free kick against you.
Cleaner Play at Set-Pieces
Ruck (New Law 15.18): Players involved in the ruck cannot interfere with opponents within 1 metre who are attempting to play the ball. Penalty for infringers.
Maul (New Law 16.18): Similar rules apply to mauls. Hands off within 1 metre!
Scrum (Updated Law 19.30a): Scrum-halves must remain near the scrum tunnel and avoid sneaky positioning.
Lineout Not Straight: Keep the Game Moving
If the ball isn’t thrown straight and the opposing team doesn’t contest, play continues. If they do contest, they get the option of a scrum or lineout. A second crooked throw? Scrum to the original throwers

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