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World Rugby is considering extending half-times and increasing the number of water breaks during matches played in hot and humid conditions.
Players traveling to play in warmer environments may also be required to take a thermal education module.
World Rugby chief medical officer Eanna Falvey said the measures would be used “as a way to avoid postponement or cancellation of matches”.
The governing body plans to release new heat guidelines in the summer.
Other measures include encouraging players to continue wearing damp shirts rather than wearing fresh, dry shirts, which can increase body temperature.
Governing bodies also recommend an acclimatization period of up to two weeks when athletes change regions or environments.
Falvey acknowledged it would be “difficult” for United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup teams, who currently travel between European winters and South African summers, sometimes at high altitude.
“We propose that this be incorporated into the new guidelines,” Falvey told BBC Sport. “Measures could include longer breaks and intervals, as well as delaying kick-off to cooler times.”
Mr Falvey said the new guidelines would form a “key part of the planning” for venues and match times for the 2027 Men's Rugby World Cup in Australia.
However, speaking at the World Rugby Player Welfare Conference, Rugby Australia's Chief Medical Officer Warren MacDonald said that the World Cup period in September, October and November is the lowest of the year in terms of domestic temperatures. “This is considered a safer time in the world,” he said. -wise.
McDonald added that new equipment will be used to more accurately measure pitchside temperatures and air quality, allowing teams, organizers and match doctors to decide whether additional safety measures are needed.
In 2020, rugby league player Keith Titmus collapsed during training with Australian club Manly Sea Eagles and later died at the age of 20. A medical examiner's autopsy determined that he died of exertional heat stroke.
Due to poor air quality in Australia's capital during the bushfires that devastated Australia in 2020, Rugby Australia made the decision to move Super Rugby's Brumbies from Canberra to Newcastle for several weeks during pre-season. did.
