World Rugby Backs 7-1 Bench Split Amid Injury Concerns, Eyes 20-Minute Red Cards

World Rugby has confirmed it will not ban the increasingly popular 7-1 bench split, despite concerns from some coaches and former players about its potential to increase injuries. The governing body insists there is no scientific or medical evidence that this tactic poses a heightened risk to player safety.

The strategy, first widely used by South Africa ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, has recently gained traction. France, notably, employed the 7-forwards-to-1-back substitution plan during the 2024 Six Nations, including in a dominant 42‑27 win over Ireland. Their use of the approach reignited debate about its impact on the game’s physicality and fairness.

During a “Shape of the Game” conference held by World Rugby, Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend voiced his unease, saying the bench wasn’t originally designed for teams to swap out an entire forward pack mid-game. Townsend questioned whether the game might evolve into one that favours heavier forward replacements over backs, challenging World Rugby to consider future policy on substitution structures.

Former Ireland lock Donncha O’Callaghan labelled France’s victory over Ireland using the tactic as a “defining day for rugby,” while Townsend said post-match against Wales that the balance of substitutions could shift how the game is played going forward.

However, World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin clarified that internal reviews have shown no medical basis for banning the tactic. “From a science and medical standpoint, we examined whether fresh players entering with 20-30 minutes to go significantly increased injury risk,” Gilpin said. “The evidence said that’s not the case.”

World Rugby chairman Brett Robinson acknowledged philosophical concerns about whether the strategy aligns with the spirit of the game but reiterated that, from a regulatory perspective, there’s no reason to change current substitution laws.

World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin on the chat around the impact of the bomb squad off the bench pic.twitter.com/YzYJ3EXyyG

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) April 9, 2025

Push for 20-minute red cards

The organisation is also considering a major shift in disciplinary rules. The World Rugby council is set to vote next month on whether to make 20-minute red cards a permanent feature of the game. This format allows a red-carded player to be replaced after 20 minutes, restoring a full team complement.

The change could be implemented in both the Premiership and the upcoming Women’s World Cup, pending the outcome of the vote.

There were four instances of 20-minute red cards during this year’s Six Nations, including the controversial first-half dismissal of Ireland’s Garry Ringrose against Wales. His replacement, Bundee Aki, was instrumental in Ireland’s comeback win in Cardiff.

Another contentious incident involved France’s Peato Mauvaka, who received only a yellow card after appearing to launch himself headfirst at Scotland’s Ben White. Though he was later cited and banned, many questioned why a full red card was not issued during the match. Under the bunker review system, only a 20-minute red could have been applied in that moment.

Townsend criticised the review process, saying it shifted too much responsibility away from on-field referees: “I think the bunker gives referees an out. We’ve taken decision-making away from them.”

Despite mixed views, Gilpin said support for the 20-minute red card rule is growing. “We’re seeing strong evidence that it keeps the contest alive, which is important for the sport,” he explained. “There are purists who oppose it, believing it weakens the deterrent of a red card, but there’s also a large group in favour of the change.”

If approved, the new rule could reshape the way teams approach discipline and in-game strategies in top-level rugby.

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com

Sourced:The Guardian

Picture: AFP