The Super Rugby Pacific Competitions Committee have today confirmed the law variations that will be applied for the upcoming Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific season.
The goal line drop-out and 50:22, first trialled in Australian Rugby and since adopted as World Rugby Global Law Trials, will be carried through into the 2022 competition along with the exciting addition of the 20-minute red card and golden point extra time variations.
The red card variation sees the offending players sent off the field for 20 minutes before being full-time placed to restore 15 on 15 players. While the golden point provides the opportunity for matches drawn at fulltime to go into a nail-biting 10 minutes of extra time where the team to score first points will be awarded the win.
Rugby Australia General Manager of Professional Rugby Services, Ben Whitaker said: "The Global Law trials carried through into the Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific competition have proven to be very effective since being suggested by Scott Johnson 30 months ago and trialled in our Super Rugby AU competitions.
"Whilst the red card and golden point law variations ensure the fans are treated to competitive, exciting matches under all circumstances. These competition variations will ensure players and teams can showcase the Rugby power of the Pacific to fans around the region and world."
NZR National Referee Manager Bryce Lawrence said there had been real buy-in from all parties to create more opportunities for attacking rugby.
"It's great to have the coaches, players and referees working together again this season. We all want to support quick ball at the breakdown so we can create space for our x-factor players. Fewer stoppages will also mean players are likely to fatigue and hopefully we'll see more space for attacking Rugby."
Rugby Australia has also confirmed its referee team for the inaugural season of Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific. Six Australian officials will take charge of the opening Australian rounds, with Nic Berry, Jordan Way and Angus Gardner set to take control of the opening three Australian Matches.
Throughout the season, Berry, Way and Gardner will be joined by Damon Murphy, Reuben Keane, and Graham Cooper before linking up with their New Zealand counterparts following Super Round.
National Referees Manager, Scott Young said: "I'd like to congratulate all the members of our team who have been appointed to the Super Rugby Pacific panel.
"While we are working in our respective unions for the opening rounds of the competition, a key focus will be continuity between both Australian and New Zealand games as we build up to a full schedule.
"While these officials are at the top of their game, we are continuing to build depth in our referee team, and the officiating space is looking excellent for the future," Young added.
The 2022 Super Rugby Pacific Season will officially kick off this Friday, 18 February, when the Waratahs take on competition newcomers the Fijian Drua at CommBank Stadium in Sydney.
Stan Sport is the only place to watch every minute of the action, with extensive coverage ad-free, live and on demand, while Saturday night's game will be simulcast live on 9Gem.
