Super Rugby Pacific 2026: Key Law Amendments Confirmed

Super Rugby Pacific organisers have officially confirmed a series of law variations for the 2026 season. These amendments are designed to increase game speed and provide referees with greater flexibility in specific match scenarios. The following changes will be implemented from the opening round:

Discretionary Cards for Penalty Tries

The previous mandate requiring an automatic yellow card for any infringement resulting in a penalty try has been removed. Under the new guidelines, referees have the discretion to decide whether the foul play warrants a card based on the cynicism of the act. This change is intended to distinguish between genuine errors, such as accidental deliberate knock-ons and cynical professional fouls.

Revised 'Use It' Protocols at the Ruck

To combat the "caterpillar ruck" and speed up play, a new restriction applies once the referee calls "use it" at the breakdown. From that point forward, no additional players may join the ruck to extend the length of the formation. Half-backs must play the ball immediately, preventing teams from adding extra blockers to protect box-kicks.

Quick Tap Leniency

The requirements for taking a quick penalty have been relaxed to encourage attacking flow. Players are no longer required to tap the ball precisely on the referee's mark. Instead, the "two-metre channel" rule allows players to take a quick tap:

• Within one metre on either side of the mark.

• Anywhere behind the mark, provided they remain within the two-metre wide channel running parallel to the touchlines.