2026-07 Law updates

At World Rugby's Council meeting on 17 June 2026, four of the older Global Law Trials were approved to be moved into full law. The newer law trials remain in play for another season at when they will be reviewed. 

Therefore the brake foot (for all), and elite rugby water carrier restrictions, 20min red card replacement and the role of the TMO have now become full law from 1 July.  

Community tackle height laws were also approved. See here for more

In addition, Council also approved a list of minor wording changes to bring clarity/consistency throughout the Laws, to reflect other clarifications or to make finding laws easier for the reader. 

As a result of the changes, some in-goal restart scenarios, when a try isn't scored, change from a 22DO to a Try Line Drop-Out.  

For example - a charge down from the field of play which goes dead, and a ball carrier carrying the ball into in-goal near the corner flag and who is then tackled into touch-in-goal before grounding the ball would have been a 22DO - both now become a TLDO.  

A presentation outlining the major changes can be found here: https://worldrugby.box.com/v/lawamends2026 

A version of the full changes document approved by Council is available here. 

These become effective for new competitions/events starting after 1 July. If you are mid-league/competition please check with your Union to determine implementation dates.