Scrum, foul play, TMO – what can we expect from refs this autumn?

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. The number of tries in international rugby has rocketed from six to eight per match in the space of just two years as World Rugby looks to futureproof the game. It 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. As part of the manifesto, the sport's world governing body will ramp up fan engagement and has launched a study using biometric sensors to find out what excites and invigorates supporters during matches.

Before the return of the Nations Championship, the top 24 international head coaches met with World Rugby officials outside London to discuss how the game will look over the coming month. According to World Rugby sources, the coaches highlighted a number of "grey areas"; for example the scrum and breakdown, deliberate knock-ons and foul play in the act of scoring. However, the coaches were said to be broadly supportive with the number of tries and the increase in ball-in-play time across the international game, which referee insiders attribute to an increase in speed and a consistent approach to the breakdown from officials and players.