Rule changes for 2023 : Wed Feb 01, 2023 1:35 pm
Rule Changes for 2023, the main ones affecting us are:Clubs will now be permitted to name a fifth interchange player (an 18th player), to be used only in the event of three players failing an HIA in the same match – the same system that applied in the Rugby League World Cup last autumn. (The number of days a player is not available after failing a HIA as been raised to 12)
If the referee calls time off for a player to receive medical attention, the player will have to leave the field for two minutes of elapsed playing time before being allowed to rejoin the match. This is with a view to reducing timewasting and gamesmanship, in addition to respecting the primary importance of player safety.
Penalties awarded at scrums, will no longer be differential penalties, as previously – meaning that the non-offending team will be able to kick for goal.