With the 2026 Six Nations creeping into view, the rumour mill is already whirring with talk of tweaks and shake-ups that could flip the tournament on its head.
France have been front and centre with their bold refereeing experiments — so perhaps it’s about time the rest of Europe sat up and paid attention.
Here are five law changes we reckon would make next year’s Championship faster, fairer, and a whole lot more entertaining.
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1. Bring in the Orange Card
French rugby has gone rogue — and fans are loving it.
This season, referees in France have introduced the orange card, signalling a 20-minute red and ditching the bunker review system altogether. Decisions stay on the pitch, in the hands of the referee — where they belong.
“It is easier for the fans to understand what is going on,” said Head of French Refereeing Mathieu Raynal. “With orange, everyone knows it means 20 minutes off the field. The referee decides — not the bunker.”
It’s simple, visible, and keeps supporters in the loop. Instead of long delays and confusion, fans get instant clarity. The orange card offers a middle ground between yellow and red — serious enough to punish foul play but not game-killing for borderline offences.
It’s fair. It’s fast. It’s fan-friendly. Bring it to the Six Nations.
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