World Rugby has officially confirmed that the upcoming Rugby World Cup 2023 in France will see the integration of the Foul Play Review Official – commonly referred to as the ‘Bunker’ – and the shot clock, with the objective of enhancing match officials’ decision-making capabilities and elevating the overall fan experience.
The inclusion of these measures follows successful trials during various prominent rugby tournaments, including the Summer Nations Series, World Rugby U20 Championship, The Rugby Championship, and Super Rugby Pacific.
The Bunker was recently used in the case of red cards for England’s Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola, who both had yellow cards upgraded in recent warm-up matches against Wales and Ireland respectively.
The decision to implement these innovations across the tournament’s 48 matches was ratified by the international federation’s Executive Board.
In addition to the Foul Play Review Official, the Rugby World Cup 2023 will also showcase the implementation of the 2023 Law Application guidelines, inclusive of the shot clock.
With an aim to reduce time-wasting and bolster the pace of the game, the shot clock’s countdown will be visible both on in-stadium screens and broadcast feeds.
World Rugby Director of Rugby Phil Davies says the Rugby World Cup is the pinnacle event in men’s test rugby, a global showcase and an inspiration to millions.
Davies says the advancement of technology is bringing fans closer to the sport than ever before and helping us create a better, safer spectacle.
He says the Foul Play Review Official process, combined with the Law Application Guidelines, will aid the flow of the game, delivering a better experience, while also supporting match officials reach the right outcomes as quickly as possible.
The RWC will kick off on the 9th of next month with the first match between hosts France and New Zealand at 7.15am.
Source: RugbyPass
