Warren Gatland proposes two law changes for World Rugby that would provide clarity after previous ‘confusion’
Warren Gatland and Scotland's Finn Russell, who may benefit from the ex-Lions head coach's law proposal.
Former British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland believes that World Rugby could make amendments to provide clarity in two key areas of the game.
The 62-year-old has revealed that he did some work with the governing body’s match officials during the Lions tour to Australia, jokingly stating that he has gone over to the “dark side”.
Gatland admitted that it has given him a “whole new perspective” on refereeing, which is perhaps in contrast to his time as a coach where frustration might have been the order of the day.
Gatland’s law suggestions
Having had that experience earlier in the year and also continued to take an interest in how the game is developing, the ex-Wales boss has two proposals for World Rugby.
The first centres around the breakdown and what the players must do when they have been tackled.
“If a player is tackled and brought to the ground – even by an ankle tackle – I think they should be forced to release the ball and have to get back on their feet before playing it again, even if they are not held,” Gatland wrote in his Telegraph column.
“I think it would speed up the game, because the tackler knows he can release the ball-carrier straight away, then immediately roll out of the way and get back onto his feet.
“Currently, there is a bit of confusion. A tackler can hear from a referee that the ball-carrier is not held, but then if he holds on too long, he can be penalised for not releasing and not rolling out of the way. Tweaking it would get rid of any confusion.”
Gatland’s second suggested amendment revolves around kicking but not the high ball, which last year saw the removal of ‘escorts’ when competing in the air.
Although the coaching great is undecided as to whether that has been a positive or a negative for the game, he is much more certain on the 50/22.
While he likes the law in itself, he thinks that World Rugby can make it easier for the officials.
‘Can be further improved’
“Currently, a team is rewarded with the throw-in to a line-out if a player kicks the ball from their own half and it bounces into touch inside the opponent’s 22-metre area,” he wrote.
“It has been a really good innovation and one that not only encourages attacking kicks but also creates more space by forcing defenders to cover the backfield, opening up gaps in the defensive line.
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“I believe it can be improved further if we scrap the law that says the 50-22 is not on if the ball is passed back into a team’s half before the kick is made.
“This causes confusion, forcing the officials to monitor where the ruck was formed and where the pass was made. It also allows the defending side to leave the backfield free as soon as they see the ball has passed the halfway line, denying the attacking side the extra space.
“Let’s make it simpler for the players, referees and fans. If a player is inside his own half, the 50-22 is on, which would keep the defence on their toes and force them to sit back hopefully for longer.”
