3 New Rugby Rules That Will Affect Play Styles
With these newly implemented rules, there will be lots of adjustments for teams and their players moving forward.
For those who are still learning the rugby rules, follow along carefully to see how these rules work.
1. 50/22 RULE
This is a rule that was effective this past year of rugby, 2022, and it has been a new way to win the ball back over once the ball is kicked out of your team's possession. If the team with possession is anywhere behind the 50-meter mark when they kick, touching in bounds first, then going out inside the opposing team’s 22-meter mark, then the team that just kicked retains the ball. This rule forces the Fullback(Last Man) to stay deeper and respect the kicking game of the other team. To counter this rule defensively, teams have been putting two defenders back deep, covering both sides of the field, making it easier to get to the area the ball is kicked.
2. POACHING IN RUCK
This rule was recently passed and put into effect this year, 2023, and it will take some time for players to get used to it. Firstly, a ruck is when the player with the ball gets tackled, and places the ball for his team, and has another teammate crouch over him, forming a ruck. The defense can try to poach(steal) the ball out of the ruck, but they must follow these rules: Hands cannot be on the ground while trying to poach, Must be on your feet, Head must be aligned with the hips, and you must release the ball carrier before engaging.
3. LATCHING ON IN RUCK
While this rule is a slight change, it plays a major role in how players seal the ball for possession. This rule requires players, who latch on to ruck, to release once the defender has made contact with the Rucker. This leaves the Rucker two options; One, try to blow through the opposite defender, or get blown over and get the ball turned over, so we’ll see how teams adjust to this rule.
With these rules currently being in play, it was only right to talk to a rugby player about how they feel these rules affect their play and the team’s overall style. Conrad Hillesheim, a teammate and longtime rugby player gives some insight into his overall experience with these new rules.
Q- So, first off, you've been in the game for over 10+ years; how do you feel about rules, in general, changing over the years?
A- well, being an OG and I grew with the game, so having to change a couple of things was a little annoying, but some changes help the game, so I can deal with it
Q- The position you play involves a lot of kicking; what do you think about the new 50/22 rule?
A- I think it helps teams offensively, who have a good kicker and can get their teams out of dangerous situations, and it also makes the defense respect the kicker and makes them play softer than usual.
Q- Let’s hit more on the defensive side of things; they recently changed the poaching rule; what do you think of that change?
A- The ruck can get messy, so I understand them restricting the rules for poaching the ball, and people are always off their feet in rucks, so I’m happy they fixed that.
Q- The new binding on the player ruck is also in effect; who do you think benefits more from it?
A- Oh, defense, it’s way easier to blow through a ruck since the offense can’t latch onto its players for a secure ruck anymore. This rule is probably going to get a lot of people hurt, though, so I don’t see it being effective for too long.
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