Proposed “50/22” law to be trialed in South Africa

World Rugby has toyed with the idea of the 50/22 law being appointed from rugby league to union and now a trial will be done in South Africa as soon as next week.

The SA Rugby Under-19 Championship kicks off next week which sees countries best u19s represent their province.

SA Rugby confirmed the news in the following press release:

"Attacking play will come to the fore in the SA Rugby Under-19 Championship next week with one of World Rugby’s new experimental laws being trialled.

The world body introduced a number of experimental laws during the course of 2019 with one of the main objectives to make the game more attractive and promote attacking play. 

The “50/22” law will be introduced by SA Rugby in the competition, to be played from 23 to 27 September at Paarl Gymnasium in Paarl, and Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

50/22 law:

A team will retain the lineout throw if they kick the ball into touch inside the opposition 22m from inside their own half provided that the ball is not kicked directly into touch. The halfway line is deemed to be “inside their own half”. The ball may not be touched by ANY player.

It is believed that this will open more opportunities for teams with good attack systems. The importance of a good lineout will be pivotal, as will quality possession from first phase play. The decision-making by the half backs on attack and the back three on defence will also be tested."