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The research has identified increased level of axial or rotation loading on front-rows’ cervical spines during the current scrum engagement sequence. The amendment is driven by research and evaluation undertaken by New Zealand Rugby, the Rugby Football Union, Premiership Rugby and the Rugby Players’ Association presented to the LRG. The amendment to Law 19.10b ( ) outlaws the practice of front-rows placing their heads onto opposition players’ shoulders between the call of ‘bind’ and ‘set’ on engagement, and is effective immediately following approval by World Rugby’s Executive Committee after a recommendation of the international federation’s Rugby Committee to adopt key outcomes from the recent Laws Review Group (LRG) meeting in London. Reaffirming its commitment to evidence-based injury-reduction in the sport, World Rugby has announced details of a minor amendment to the scrum law, reducing the ‘axial’ or rotational load on front row players on engagement.
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This action causes axial loads that can adversely impact player welfare. The nominated player may act as a replacement.Caption: The scrum law change will prevent 'pre-loading' where front row players place the crown of their heads on opponents shoulders between the "bind" and "set" calls. If a front-row player is sent off, and the team cannot continue with contested scrums with players already on the field, then the team nominates another player to leave the playing area to enable an available front-row player to come on.The nominated player may not return until the period of suspension ends, or to act as a replacement. If a front-row player is temporarily suspended, and the team cannot continue with contested scrums with players already on the field, then the team nominates another player to leave the playing area to enable an available front-row player to come on.Only when no replacement front-row player is available is any other player permitted to play in the front row.In a squad of 23 players or at the discretion of the match organiser, a player whose departure has caused the referee to order uncontested scrums cannot be replaced.If the player returns or another front-row player comes on, then contested scrums may resume. If the referee is informed that the team will not be able to contest the scrum, then the referee orders uncontested scrums. When a front-row player leaves the playing area, whether through injury or temporary or permanent suspension, the referee enquires at that time whether the team can continue with contested scrums.Uncontested scrums as a result of a sending off, temporary suspension or injury must be played with eight players per side.A match organiser may stipulate the conditions under which a game may start with uncontested scrums.Scrums will become uncontested if either team cannot field a suitably trained front row or if the referee so orders.Here's World Rugby's rules around uncontested scrums: