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Latest News
HSBC Canada Women's Sevens 2022
4 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Black Ferns Sevens renew riveting rivalry with Australia on HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Australia wrapped up the 2022 Series title in Langford, but the Black Ferns Sevens left Canada with plenty to celebrate as they begin a busy period.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Tue 3 May, 2022
4 min read
Madagascar Women's Sevens
3 min read

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022: Madagascar latest team to book ticket to Cape Town

Following another intense weekend of qualifying action we now know the identity of 12 women's and 20 men's teams who will compete at RWC Sevens 2022.

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Mon 2 May, 2022
3 min read
HSBC Spain Sevens Seville 2022 - Women's
4 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe keen to drive Ireland onto Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

We spoke to the prolific Ireland star about backing up the team’s success in Seville and plotting their path to Cape Town in September.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Tue 26 April, 2022
4 min read
Rugby World Cup Sevens San Francisco 2018 - Day Two
5 min read

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Everything you need to know about Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Your guide to RWC Sevens 2022, which will take place in Cape Town between 9-11 September this year.

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Fri 8 April, 2022
5 min read
Dubai Emirates Airline Rugby Sevens 2021 - Men's
3 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Perfection, not silverware, the focus for South Africa and Selvyn Davids

We caught up with the Blitzboks star, who has helped guide his side to the top of the men’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series standings as the countdown continues to their home Rugby World Cup Sevens.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Tue 5 April, 2022
3 min read
2018 Highlights
Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018
08:29 mins

Highlights: New Zealand win big in San Francisco

New Zealand retained their Rugby World Cup Sevens title in San Francisco
Mon 23 July, 2018
08:29 mins
Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018
07:03 mins

Highlights: New Zealand women's win Rugby World Cup Sevens

Check out all the top action as New Zealand win The Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco
Sun 22 July, 2018
07:03 mins
Rugby World Cup Sevens San Francisco 2018 - Day Two
06:30 mins

HIGHLIGHTS: Men's semi-finals confirmed after thrilling day two

Men's semi-finals confirmed after thrilling day two of action at Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018 #RWC7s
Sun 22 July, 2018
06:30 mins
Rugby World Cup Sevens San Francisco 2018 - Day One
06:51 mins

Highlights: Men's quarter-finals decided

Men's quarter-finals of Rugby World Cup Sevens decided after incredible first day at AT&T Park
Sat 21 July, 2018
06:51 mins
Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018
06:26 mins

Highlights: Women's semi-finals confirmed at Rugby World Cup Sevens

Championship semi-finals confirmed after thrilling day one of action
Sat 21 July, 2018
06:26 mins
Player welfare
Friday 28 January, 2022
3 min read

Scrum stability and player welfare at the heart of Six Nations trials

World Rugby and Six Nations Rugby have announced details of a closed law trial that aims to advance scrum stability and player welfare.
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World Rugby and Six Nations Rugby have announced details of a closed law trial that aims to advance scrum stability and player welfare.

During the forthcoming men’s, women’s and U20 Six Nations Championships, both hookers will be required to ensure one foot (the ‘brake foot’) is extended towards the opposition during the crouch and bind phases of the scrum engagement sequence. Referees will penalise failure to comply with a free-kick. 

Having consulted widely with leading players, including international hookers, scrum coaches and match officials, World Rugby wishes to understand whether this minor adjustment can have a positive impact on the number of scrum collapses and resets, and welfare outcomes - it is anticipated that the adoption of a ‘brake foot’ will help prevent players, in particular hookers, experiencing excessive loading and pressures in the scrum. The trial comes with the full support of the participating teams, Six Nations Rugby and International Rugby Players

World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin said: “We want rugby to be the best it can be for those playing and watching the game and this trial will enable us to understand whether we can positively impact both game and welfare outcomes during the three Six Nations Championships.

“This builds on voluntary adoption by teams and greater vigilance by match officials in recent elite competitions and we would like to thank Six Nations Rugby and all the participating teams for embracing the trial and we look forward to seeing the results.”

Commenting on the introduction of the scrum law trial during the men’s, women’s and U20’s Championships, Julie Paterson, Director of Rugby at Six Nations Rugby, said: “The game is constantly evolving, and the interests of player welfare are at the centre of decision making, when considering the laws of the game. As Six Nations Rugby we feel such trials are essential in providing informed feedback which will hopefully take the game forward. As such, to collaborate with World Rugby and introduce this law trial during each Six Nations Championship this year, is a great opportunity for both parties to work together for the good of the game.”

Renowned scrum coach Mike Cron has been working with High Performance Union Scrum coaches throughout 2021, and specifically with Six Nations teams on behalf of World Rugby in advance of the Championships to support them with implementation of the trial, which has been welcomed by players. 

Connacht and Ireland hooker Dave Heffernan, who was involved in player consultation run via International Rugby Players, said: “I’m glad to see the brake foot being trialled in scrums. From talking to other hookers, axial loading seems to be causing neck related issues and while this trial is welcome, it needs to be enforced by referees for both front rows. It will be interesting to see the difference it makes during the Six Nations.”

Axial loading’, when front row players – primarily hookers – lean their heads onto opponents’ shoulders in between the referee’s ‘bind’ and ‘set’ calls placing pressure through necks, is outlawed. However, the dynamic nature of the scrum at the elite level, and in particular the need to balance tactical and stability considerations, has meant ‘axial loading’ has not been completely eliminated.

It is hoped that the adoption of a ‘brake foot’ will act as a brake to prevent axial loading, promote stability and enhance the rugby spectacle with players, coaches and match officials having joint responsibility to ensure compliance. 

World Rugby is committed to the advancement of welfare at all levels of the game and previous evidence-based adjustments to scrum laws have had a positive impact, notably the ‘Crouch, Bind, Set’ engagement sequence, which has driven a 25 per cent reduction of forces on engagement and a reduction on overall injuries. 

The ‘brake foot’ is currently available to unions and competitions as part of a package of COVID-19 mitigation law variations designed to reduce contact exposure in the game. 

The trial outcomes will be considered alongside the current global law trials by World Rugby’s High Performance 15s Rugby Committee and Executive Committee with potential for being adopted into full law. The activity complements World Rugby’s six-point player welfare action plan, which aims to make rugby the most progressive sport in the world for player welfare.

Trending News Show all
2018 Commonwealth Games women's final
3 min read

Commonwealth Games

All the build-up to rugby sevens at the Commonwealth Games 2022

Now that the line-ups are complete in both the men’s and women’s tournaments, we take a look at who has won gold in the past and the sides competing to add their names to the roll call of honour in July.

Commonwealth Games

Wed 11 May, 2022
3 min read
Madagascar qualify for rugby world cup sevens
4 min read

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Discipline and hard work at the heart of Madagascar's success on the road to Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

The Madagascar women's sevens team has achieved their historic dream of qualifying for a Rugby World Cup Sevens tournament for the first time. At the heart of this achievement lies a lot of hard work, determination and discipline.

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Wed 11 May, 2022
4 min read
HSBC Canada Women's Sevens 2022
4 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Seven women’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series players to watch in Toulouse

Following an exciting weekend in Langford we look at seven women’s stars who could light up Toulouse between 20-22 May.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Thu 5 May, 2022
4 min read
HSBC Canada Women's Sevens 2022
4 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Black Ferns Sevens renew riveting rivalry with Australia on HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Australia wrapped up the 2022 Series title in Langford, but the Black Ferns Sevens left Canada with plenty to celebrate as they begin a busy period.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Tue 3 May, 2022
4 min read
Madagascar Women's Sevens
3 min read

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022: Madagascar latest team to book ticket to Cape Town

Following another intense weekend of qualifying action we now know the identity of 12 women's and 20 men's teams who will compete at RWC Sevens 2022.

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Mon 2 May, 2022
3 min read
HSBC Canada Women's Sevens 2022
7 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Australia clinch overall 2022 series title while late Lily Dick try gives them Cup win in Langford

Hosts Canada took fifth place while Ireland flyer Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe bagged 12 tries as they won bronze in the HSBC Canada Sevens in Langford.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Mon 2 May, 2022
7 min read
HSBC Canada Women's Sevens 2022
5 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Australia edge towards HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series glory in Langford as New Zealand provide thrills on return

Australia are closing in on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series title after a perfect start to the penultimate event of the season in Canada, while the Black Ferns came back with a bang at the Starlight Stadium.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Sun 1 May, 2022
5 min read
HSBC Canada Women's Sevens 2022
3 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Captains on top of the world ahead of the HSBC Canada Women's Sevens in Langford

The HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series returns to the home of Rugby Canada after a 1,083 day break as Australia look to clinch their first Series title since to 2018.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Fri 29 April, 2022
3 min read
Santiago Gómez Cora
5 min read

rugby sevens

Santiago Gómez Cora: “You have to be patient, trust a lot and do the hard work”

World Rugby caught up with Los Pumas Sevens coach about Argentina’s recent win in the HSBC Canada Sevens and what it means to him going forward.

rugby sevens

Thu 28 April, 2022
5 min read
Charlotte Caslick
3 min read

HSBC Sevens Series

Series title within Australia’s reach as the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series returns to Langford

We spoke to Australia co-captain Charlotte Caslick about her team's mindset heading into this weekend's HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series stop in Langford knowing they can wrap up the series title.

HSBC Sevens Series

Wed 27 April, 2022
3 min read
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