Munster part of Hawkeye experiment

Munster will be one of the guinea pigs this weekend, as World Rugby tries out decision review system Hawkeye during the Guinness Pro12 clash with Scarlets in Llanelli.

But supporters may not notice any difference.

The governing body are trialling new technology ahead of this year’s World Cup and Pro12 Rugby, in partnership with broadcasters, have agreed to run tests at selected matches.

Under the system, communication between the match officials will be largely unchanged but the TMO will have access to simultaneous multiple angle replays in real-time and slow motion delivered by Hawk-Eye’s ‘SMART Replay’ technology.

With concussion and player injuries the hot topics of the moment, WR chief executive Brett Gosper claims the technical advances are as much about safety as accurate decision-making.

“Central to our sport is the integrity of player welfare and the match official decision-making process and we are delighted to be collaborating with Hawk-Eye and ITV as well as Pro12 Rugby and Sky to determine how we can enhance speed and accuracy in these critical areas.”

The technology makes every camera feed available in real time, possibly enabling officials to communicate quicker injury updates to medical teams.

The innovation will interest Welsh fans after George North’s head injuries against England, when WRU medical chief Prav Mathema admitted the player would not have stayed on if he had seen a replay of the second incident.