Jordan Cox of Warrington Wolves runs past Joel Moon of Leeds Rhinos during a rugby match on April 2, 2016.Super League is looking at outlawing scrums for the rest of the 2020 season and introducing other rule changes “largely to make the sport of rugby league safer in the current public health situation.”
The Laws Committee said medical experts presented “strong evidence” showing getting rid of scrums would “considerably reduce the threat of potential exposure to and transmission of COVID-19 between players during matches.” Wolfpack coach Brian McDermott says he believes the future of scrums in the game deserves a longer conversation. He worries the congested schedule that likely lies ahead when the season resumes will take a toll on players, more so if the game is played without the break in the action that scrums can provide.
The new rule allows the majority of ruck infringements to be penalized by a restart of the tackle count, rather than leading to a stoppage in play with a penalty.When a team kicks out on the full, play will be restarted by a play-the-ball rather than a scrum.Restrictions on the legal point of contact for a third defender in an upright tackle, which must now be above the knee.
McDermott approached the Laws Committee about substituting another sanction for a penalty in the case of minor technical ruck infractions, arguing the punishment often outweighs the crime with the team awarded the penalty gaining field position by a kick to touch followed by a restart of the tackle count.