World Rugby looking at innovations to ‘reimagine’ rugby

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Last week, administrators, coaches and officials from all the leading nations formulated a series of proposals that once assessed, could be put into action without needing to change laws.

Ideas for consideration include a 'shot clock' timer on scrums, lineouts and goal-kicks, all aimed at speeding up the game before next year's Rugby World Cup.

Fans are also likely to have better in-stadium experiences in future with improved ground access to the interactions between referees and television match officials.

Urgency in improving game quality has been a quick outcome from concerns seen in the November internationals, especially the low amount of time the ball was in play and the number of stoppages in games.

Water carriers are likely to have less time on the field in future.

A countdown shot clock, available for all to see on big screens at grounds, could see greater urgency from set-pieces and goal-kickers having to complete their shots at goal within time limits.

Limits of 60 seconds for a penalty and 90 seconds for conversions, already in law, were rarely enforced as many kickers regularly took longer.

France already operates a clock on goal-kicks in its Top 14 competition.

Referrals to TMOs would faster, while spectators would receive better explanations about why incidents were under review.

The suggestions will be considered over the next few weeks.

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