Following the Rugby World Cup final at the Stade de France, where All Blacks captain Sam Cane was controversially shown a red card, rugby fans reignited calls for the introduction of the “20-minute red card” rule.

Cane’s Incident

In the first half of the final, Cane made contact with Jesse Kriel’s head with his shoulder. Referee Wayne Barnes initially sent him to the sin-bin, but after a bunker review, the punishment was upgraded to a full red card. The decision sparked widespread debate, with many arguing the dismissal ruined the contest.

Fans voiced frustration online:

“Need to get some southern innovation and bring in the 20-minute red card – that way a decision like this won’t ruin the whole game.”

“Red card should be 20 minutes.”

“A different red card option is 20 minutes off, then a replacement player can come on. Better for the game & offender still suspended etc.”

The 20-Minute Red Card Trial

The idea was first tested in Super Rugby, designed to balance discipline with fairness. Under the system, a player who received a red card would spend 20 minutes off the field, after which a substitute could enter. This punished the offending player but prevented their team from being permanently reduced to 14 men.

Although the trial attracted attention and debate, it was not adopted for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Permanent Law Change

Now, after further testing – including its use in the women’s World Cup and the Rugby Championship – the 20-minute red card is set to become permanent and is expected to feature in the build-up to Rugby World Cup 2027 and beyond.

Support and Criticism

Critics argue that 20 minutes is not a strong enough deterrent for dangerous tackles and illegal head contact. However, World Rugby chairman Brett Robinson defended the law:

“Our mission is to ensure rugby is a compelling sport to play and watch. The 20-minute red card preserves the fairness and drama of elite competition by punishing the individual, not the entire team or the spectacle.”

He added:

“Player welfare is non-negotiable. We monitor data around head injuries, tackle height, and concussion rigorously – and transparently. If evidence ever indicated this trial posed greater risk, we would end it immediately.”

“Goodbye Caterpillar ruck” – Four more rugby law changes for 2025

Rugby thrives on a mix of tradition and evolution, but some laws may no longer serve the game as effectively as they once did.

As the sport grows faster, stronger, and more tactical, certain laws stand out as ripe for reconsideration—not to upend the game, but to make it fairer, safer, and more exciting.

We highlight four specific laws that, with thoughtful updates, could better reflect the way rugby is played today. These ideas come from a deep respect for the game and a desire to see it flourish for players and fans alike.

World Rugby has shown it’s willing to adapt in recent years—these could be the next steps in that evolution.

1. Fewer Substitutions

Rugby has changed significantly over the years, and one of the biggest shifts is how the bench is used. These days, teams often bring on almost an entirely new forward pack late in the game. Big, fresh players crash into tired defenders, making the final 20 minutes less about skill and endurance, and more about brute force. Many fans and former players feel this has turned rugby into a collision sport rather than a contest of stamina and intelligence.

Reducing the number of substitutions would encourage players to pace themselves. Space would open up in the second half, creating more opportunities for creative play rather than endless phases of pick-and-go. It would reward fitness, smart decision-making, and those capable of performing for the full 80 minutes.

Fewer substitutions wouldn’t just make the game more exciting—it would make it fairer, safer, and more in line with the spirit of what rugby has always been about.

With the rise of 6–2 and even 7–1 bench splits, pioneered by Rassie Erasmus, the trend seems to be heading in the opposite direction. That’s all the more reason to act now.

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