French rugby authorities oppose 20-minute red cards 

La Rochelle's French prop Uini Atonio (L) is shown the red card by referee Tual Trainini (R) during the French Top14 match last June. Photo by CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT/AFP via Getty Images 

French authorities are joining forces with players to oppose plans by World Rugby to introduce a 20-minute red card, claiming it poses a health risk.

World Rugby said last week the possibility of replacing a red-carded player with a teammate after 20 minutes was moving closer to global adoption following “successful trials.” The sent-off player would not, though, be able to return for the rest of the match.