{
  "id": 17982910,
  "title": "Scrum, foul play, TMO - what can we expect from refs this autumn?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/scrum-foul-play-tmo-what-can-we-expect-from-refs-this-autumn-17982910",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-03T15:38:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/scrum-foul-play-tmo-expect-145944445.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The rugby world is set to undergo significant changes in the upcoming season as referees focus on key areas to shape the future of the game. The number of tries scored in international matches has surged from six to eight per match in just two years, reflecting a desire to embrace the contest around the breakdown and set-piece. The sport governing body, World Rugby, aims to create a safer and more continuous game while maintaining its exciting nature.\n\nAt a recent meeting between top international coaches and World Rugby officials, concerns were raised about grey areas in the scrum, breakdown, deliberate knock-ons, and foul play. However, coaches were generally supportive of the increasing tries and ball-in-play time, which they attribute to a faster pace and consistent approaches from officials and players.\n\nRefereeing experts believe that referees are now working longer hours, potentially leading to fatigue. To address this, officials are encouraged to form scrums and line-outs within 30 seconds, which helps create space and scoring opportunities. The number of penalties has also dropped from 3.5 in 2024 to 1.5 in 2026, indicating a shift in the game's dynamics.\n\nDuring a recent conference, referees discussed the scrum, foul play, and the use of the Television Match Official (TMO). Jonathan Humphreys, a former Scotland and Wales coach, led the scrum presentation, while Warren Gatland, a Wales and British and Irish Lions boss, also attended as a World Rugby advisor. Brendon Pickerill, a former Kiwi official and part of the refereeing team for the 2023 World Cup semi-final, led discussions on foul play and the role of the TMO.\n\nIn November, referees will focus on specific areas, including the scrum, TMO interventions, and foul play. The scrum will adhere to stricter rules, such as both loosehead props having their right shoulders out to ensure a fair and even contest, and the hooker grounding their brake foot in the tunnel for stability. The TMO will only intervene in clear and obvious decisions, focusing on foul play and try-scoring situations.\n\nTo combat hip-drop tackles, a yellow card will be issued as the entry point for sanctions. Red cards will be reserved for the most egregious acts of foul play away from the ball. The Head Contact Process, which referees use to sanction foul play, has been updated to include illegal acts at the breakdown.\n\nThe Nations Championship returns on November 6, with Ireland hosting Argentina in Dublin. Subsequent matches will utilize a golden point scoring system if teams are level after 80 minutes.",
  "summary": "World Rugby has laid out a vision of a safer and more continuous sport, but with a desire to \"embrace the contest\" around the breakdown and set-piece.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}