Rugby to trial 20-minute red cards during Autumn Internationals

Rugby’s Autumn Nations Series will introduce a significant rule change as the Northern Hemisphere prepares to trial 20-minute red cards for the first time.

The trial, confirmed on Friday, will be in place for the 21 matches of the series, starting on 2nd November with England’s clash against New Zealand at Twickenham.

Under this new system, referees will have the option to issue two types of red cards. If a player commits a "deliberate and dangerous" foul play, they will still be sent off for the entire match without replacement.

However, for technical offences, referees can now opt for a 20-minute red card. In this scenario, the player will leave the field for the remainder of the game but can be replaced by a substitute after 20 minutes.This means the team will return to a full complement of 15 players for the rest of the match after the penalty period.

This trial aims to offer a more balanced approach to in-game sanctions, reducing the long-term impact of red cards on a match’s outcome, while still penalizing foul play.

The 20-minute red card is a divisive topic within the rugby world. While the Southern Hemisphere has already trialled the concept in competitions like the Rugby Championship, the idea has faced strong opposition in France.

The French Rugby Federation (FFR) argues that the rule could be a step back from the progress made in reducing head impacts and dangerous tackles over the last few years. They view this move as potentially undermining player safety initiatives.

Despite the concerns, the trial will go ahead for this year's Autumn Nations Series, which will feature several marquee matchups.

"Everyone in rugby understands that there is a huge opportunity to capture the attention of a far broader audience, alongside catering for its existing and passionate fanbase," Six Nations chief of rugby Julie Paterson said.

"The law trials are just one step towards exploring this opportunity, and the trials running throughout the Autumn Nations Series will hopefully enhance the experience for fans, whilst helping explain some of the decisions taken 'live' and to embrace but also explain the nuances that are part of what make rugby so unique and special.

"No trial or subsequent change is considered without utter confidence that player safety and welfare is front and centre though. First and foremost, we need to look after the players and their interests, and the trials we have opted to use this November deliver on this commitment."