20-minute red cards on the way for grassroots rugby

NZ Rugby have announced they will trial a 20-minute red card replacement across all grades for the next two seasons.

In a move supported by the 26 Provincial Unions, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has confirmed that the innovation will apply to all levels of the community game in New Zealand, including club and school grades.

A player who has received a red card replaced after 20 minutes by another player. If a player receives a second yellow card which equates to an automatic red card, after a further 20 minutes, the red carded player can be replaced.

NZR General Manager Community Rugby Steve Lancaster said the decision was part of an ongoing commitment to positive player experiences at the grassroots.

"This is the first community trial for this innovation anywhere in the world and we're proud that New Zealand continues to lead in finding ways to create a safer game that our participants love to play," Lancaster said.

"We believe that this innovation suitably deals with the offending player, whilst also preserving the competition and experience for teams, coaches, spectators and referees."

20-minute red cards were first introduced to Super Rugby Aotearoa in 2020 in an attempt to appropriately manage foul play without impacting the integrity of the match. Since then, the rule has been adopted at test level in the Rugby Championship.

Despite efforts from SANZAAR nations, World Rugby did not adopt the rule for last year's Rugby World Cup - which featured a red card in the final to All Black captain Sam Cane.

The innovation is on the back of gradual changes to community rugby by NZR, aimed at player safety and opening up play. Last year saw reduced tackle heights to below the sternum, a move that was met with positive feedback at club level, while restrictions on halfback positioning and how far senior club teams can push in scrums have also been introduced.