Players or gladiators? Why the game is struggling to find the right balance

Paul Rees reports on World Rugby's attempts to broaden the sport's appeal but can see problems ahead

It has become an annual event this decade for World Rugby to issue a series of law tweaks designed to speed up the game and make it more accessible for a new audience, primarily television viewers.
Last year the emphasis was on making sure kicks at goal were taken within an allotted time span, 90 seconds for a conversion and a minute for a penalty “even if the ball rolls over and has to be placed again.” A shot clock was introduced with a kicker having to make contact with the ball befor...

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