Global Law Trial - 20-minute red card replacement

At the World Rugby Council meeting on 21 May 2025, the Council voted to move the 20 minute red card replacement sanction into a Global Law trial for the elite game.

The following sets out the law wordings which will make up the Global Law Trial and will go into the WR Law assets on 1 July 2025.

Foul Play - Law 9

9.30: When a player is being sent off, the referee will show that player a red card and the player will take no further part in the match. A player sent off may not be replaced.

Addition: Elite Rugby only: For intentional and highly dangerous actions, the player cannot be replaced. For other actions, the player sent off may be replaced after 20 minutes playing time.

Law 3 Team: Tactical replacements joining the match

3.33 Tactically replaced players may return to play only when replacing:

New clause f. a teammate who has received a qualifying red card, after 20 minutes playing time has elapsed. (Elite rugby only)

New definition: Elite Rugby

A professional level of rugby, determined by individual unions/competitions where specified laws, protocols and regulations should be used.

Length of trial?

This Global Law Trial will be run until 2026 when Council will review the trial to determine whether it should become full law or not.