World Rugby chair Brett Robinson has suggested that more law trials are likely before the Rugby World Cup 2027. As the sport continues to search for the right balance between speed, fairness, and entertainment. With the tournament in Australia now firmly on the horizon.
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Robinson stressed that any new laws or amendments must be finalized by the start of the Nations Championship in July 2026. That deadline leaves World Rugby with limited time to test ideas, gather feedback. And decide which changes should become permanent ahead of the game’s biggest event.
Since the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, the governing body has already introduced a wide range of adjustments aimed at improving the flow of matches. And making the sport more appealing to fans. These include the introduction of shot clocks for set-pieces and goal kicks. Changes to free-kick options at scrums, and the rollout of the 20-minute red card.
All of these moves have been presented as part of a broader effort to reduce stoppages. Cut out unnecessary delays and encourage more attacking rugby. Robinson, who took over as chair from Sir Bill Beaumont, believes progress has been made. But he also admits that rugby still faces deep-rooted issues.
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Rugby World Cup: World Rugby Targets Complexity in Law Review
Speaking on the Rugby Unity podcast alongside Eddie Jones and David Pembroke. He said World Rugby is planning to tackle those issues during the festive period, before holding a shape of the game conference early in the new year. He explained that the sport has long struggled with complexity and inefficiency.
Describing rugby’s evolution over the past 150 years as more than just having grit in the gears. According to Robinson, the game has often been clunky and weighed down by laws that distract from what really matters on the field. After the 2023 World Cup, World Rugby carried out extensive consultation with supporters and reviewed research from across the sport.
That feedback highlighted several key frustrations. Fans were unhappy with the volume of aimless kicking. Felt that laws and refereeing interpretations often discouraged attacking play. And were increasingly irritated by how much time was lost to stoppages and reviews.
Robinson said that while World Rugby has made strides in addressing some of those concerns, other areas still lag. Shot clocks are one example of positive change, while efforts are also being made to eliminate them. What he described as dumb and senseless actions, such as penalizing crooked lineout throws when there is no contest.
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Rugby World Cup Final: Global Rugby Struggles to Find Common Ground
One of the most controversial changes has been the introduction of the 20-minute red card. Robinson acknowledged that this took far longer to implement than expected. Largely because stakeholders in the Northern Hemisphere needed more time to understand and accept the concept.
While the process was frustrating, he believes the rule has delivered some benefits, even if it remains divisive. Despite these improvements, Robinson feels that rugby still faces major fundamental challenges. One of the biggest obstacles, in his view, is the lack of alignment between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
Differing philosophies and priorities have slowed decision-making and, at times, added to fan frustration. He praised Australia and New Zealand for being open to experimentation, particularly through Super Rugby Pacific. Which has been willing to trial new laws and officiating approaches.
In contrast, he noted that competitions in the Northern Hemisphere have generally been more cautious and slower to embrace change. The use of the Television Match Official (TMO) is a clear example of this divide.
Robinson said there have been conflicting views between the North and South about how much influence the TMO should have during games. Some recent trials aimed at refining the TMO’s role have not delivered the desired results. And World Rugby has openly accepted that they are not working as intended.
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