NEWS: World Rugby's Shape of the Game Forum in London has put forward five recommendations to improve the game globally in the future.
Perhaps the most notable recommendations relate to the speed and flow of the game, including “reviewing offside laws from kicks” and giving scrum-halves “more space and protection at the base of scrums, rucks and mauls”. is included.
The other four recommendations deal with the language and presentation of the game, the women's game, player welfare and well-being, and a review of the disciplinary process.
“Major figures in the sport have come together as the game embarks on a secure new era with the introduction of a new global calendar for men and women from 2026, including new competitions such as the Nations Championship and an expanded World Cup. “We are advancing the entertainment, fan experience, and improving the value of the game through regulatory reform,” a World Rugby statement said.
“While previous editions of the Shape of the Game Forum resulted in short-term, issue-specific advances, the 2024 edition is an important milestone in the new legislative review cycle, and will help us gain and retain fans. It focused specifically on its core mission of driving fan acquisition and retention by promoting relevancy and accessibility.
“Playing, coaching, refereeing, competition and fan experts representing five expert committees [men’s and women’s high performance, professional game, professional leagues and community rugby] They were asked to think big, think long-term, and think collectively.
“Importantly, each group was encouraged to view the game through a fan-focused lens.
“The framework for the discussion was a detailed review of the latest men's, women's and community athletics, refereeing and welfare trends, as well as feedback from technology and spectator experts and fans.
“Specifically, participants focused on addressing barriers to fan participation, including dead ball time, game flow disruption, technology, terminology, and overall marketing for the sport.”
The group agreed the following key areas of action for World Rugby to consider in collaboration with key stakeholders, before submitting a detailed plan to the Federation Board for consideration.
Shape of the Game 2024 recommendations:
- Speed and flow: Focusing on elements that keep the game flowing, including speeding up referee 'use it' calls at breakdowns, removing the option to repeat scrums, expanding the scope of the shot clock and reviewing offside laws from kicks. Consider the moves you offer. The scrum half has a lot of space and protection at the base of the scrum, ruck and maul.
- Game language and presentation: A new focus on building rugby's share of attention through a fan-centric view of how the game is marketed, a consistent approach to the presentation of the sport across all media environments, and a focus on the moments of the game that truly engage fans. passion and urgency.
- Women's matches: We are dedicated to adapting the women's game and the law, recognizing the unique characteristics, strengths and opportunities that exist to attract new audiences.
- Player welfare and health: A player-driven approach to welfare advancement, including the removal of “crocorolls” and exploration of breakdowns.
- Review of the disciplinary process: Streamline sports discipline and sanctions processes to promote efficiency, consistency, and fan understanding.
World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont said: “Shape of the Game 2024 is an important milestone in defining the future of our sport.
“This is a new calendar that will ensure we deliver exciting content over the long term, from an expanded World Cup to the World Cup, and how our on-field product and off-field experience will drive long-term growth. It was born out of the need and opportunity to increase rugby's audience by considering how we could promote a new global competition.
“It’s great to see that all stakeholders – players, coaches, match officials, tournament owners, unions and communities – have a strong desire to evolve the game towards success not just at elite level but in the community. It's a game. I would like to thank everyone for their positive and supportive contributions. ”
World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin added: “Rugby is in an attention economy. The appeal of our products in all their forms, combined with the excitement of our event experiences, the content we create and the stories we tell, is central to the growth of the sport as a whole.
“Rather than looking at behavioral or legal adjustments in isolation, we are looking at ways to make the game more relevant, attract new fans and deepen engagement with existing fans, and make the sport simpler. We look at the changes that need to be made to decisively move the needle.'' ”
