New scrum law to allay safety fears

THE International Rugby Board have taken steps to increase safety in the scrum by passing a new law covering the engagement sequence.

From January 1st referees at all levels of the sport will implement a new four-stage “crouch, touch, pause, engage” process.

The IRB have been investigating the safety of the scrum and this move follows recommendations made by the organisation’s medical committee.

The law change is designed to bring the forward packs closer together and reduce the force on impact but the IRB rejected calls to follow rugby league and ‘depower’ the scrum.

IRB chairman Dr Syd Millar confirmed the contested scrum remains central to the sport. “An essential element of rugby is its physicality. This has to be appropriately balanced with the welfare of players,” said Dr Millar.

“The IRB believes that the contested scrum is an integral part of the game and that rugby is unique in that its playing charter provides the opportunity for individuals of all shapes and sizes to play the game.

“That said, we have taken expert medical and technical advice that indicates that it is now appropriate for the game to adopt a less vigorous scrum engagement sequence.”

The key difference to the current sequence is that the two props will have to touch their opponent’s shoulder.

At present the two packs – which can weigh in the region of 120 stone each – often charge into contact from as much as three feet away.

In addition to the engagement sequence, front rows cannot engage with their head and shoulders lower than their hips.This is intended to reduce the frequency of collapsed scrums.

Former England international Jason Leonard, the world’s most capped prop, assisted the Law Project Group in its review of the scrum.

He said: “This new sequence will standardise the distance the two sets of forwards are apart, reduce the collision at engagement and will assist in ensuring that both sets of forwards are at the best horizontal height possible.

“With the reduced impact and forwards at the correct height we will see an improvement in the bind.

“This should also assist in minimising collapsing of the front row. It also ensures that the scrum remains a true contest.”

The IRB are also introducing a “zero tolerance policy’ on crooked feeds into the scrum, another measure designed to enhance the skills levels.

That also comes into effect on January 1st.