IRFU against permanent adoption of rugby’s 20-minute red card

The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) says it “does not support” the permanent implementation of a 20-minute red card by World Rugby.

A new law, in which a team is able to replace a player who is red carded after 20 minutes in the sin-bin – was trialled by World Rugby in the Rugby Championship and World Under-20 Championship.

After initial tests, it is set to be used in November’s internationals, where referees will have the option to implement the 20-minute red card for technical acts of foul play deemed not to be deliberate or intentional.

However, officials are set to have the option for permanent red cards for acts of foul play that are deemed to be dangerous or deliberate.

“Player welfare and safety are paramount to the core values of the game,” read an IRFU statement.

“The option of a permanent red card for deliberate and intentional acts of foul play supports those values and protects the integrity of the game.”

While against the expansion of 20-minute red cards, the IRFU added it welcomes “the variation” of having the option for players to be permanently dismissed if deemed necessary in November’s matches.

The French Rugby Federation, National Rugby League and Provale released a joint statement on Monday saying they had “firm opposition” to an “unacceptable step backwards” by World Rugby.

Ireland start their autumn internationals against New Zealand on Friday, 8 November before matches with Argentina, Fiji and Australia in Dublin.