New IRB safety laws ‘depower’ contested scrum

NEW rules on scrummaging came into play yesterday in rugby union designed to improve player safety.

The International Rugby Board (IRB) has passed a law to bring packs closer and reduce the force on impact.

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

The IRB has been investigating the safety of the scrum following recommendations made by the organisation’s medical committee, but the IRB rejected calls to follow rugby league and “depower” the scrum.

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

This ensures that the scrum remains a true contest which is important for the game. At present the two packs — which at Test level can weigh 120 stone each — often charge into contact from as much as three feet away.

In addition, front rows will not be allowed engage with their head and shoulders lower than their hips. This is intended to reduce the frequency of collapsed scrums while keeping the set piece competitive.

IRB chairman Dr Syd Millar insisted the contested scrum remained central to the sport.

“An essential element of rugby is its physicality,” he said.

“This has to be appropriately balanced with the welfare of participating players and the IRB continues to take such issues very seriously.

“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.”

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 engagement 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.

“This is crucial to the successful engagement of the scrum. With the reduced impact, and forwards at the correct height, we will see an associated improvement in the bind.

“This should also assist in minimising collapsing of the front row.

“It in no way impairs both teams’ ability to contest for the ball.”