Research data
A study on rugby rule changes:
Effects and impacts of the new rules in 2022
2023 Volume 37 Issue 1 Pages 59-73
Details
2023 Volume 37 Issue 1 Pages 59-73
This study aims to analyse the effects and impacts of the newly introduced 50:22 rule and goal line dropout (GLDO) rule in 2022, to obtain learnings to adapt to the new rule implementations. A total of Sixty-nine world's top-level games pre and post rule changes were used for analysis. Results showed that 1) kicking frequency increased and passing plays and contact decreased after the rule implementation. 2) The frequency and percentage of zero-pass attacks 5m out from the goal line increased and the percentage of two-passes attacks decreased before and after the rule revision. GLDO increased in-play time by 60 seconds compared to the old 5m scrum rule. 3) Although 50:22 occurs in only 30% of the analysed matches, there were changes in the aspect of kicking play by area and position, suggesting that kicking is a more important skill. 4) The defending team at 50:22 lineout and kicking team in GLDO conceded more points and took more time to escape from their own territory.
