New tech systems to help refs and speed up rugby, says chief

MATT HARDY

THIS summer’s bumper series of Rugby World Cup warm-up games will include new measures for officials that should see the amount of rugby played increase.

Refereeing teams will be able to use a “bunker” system –whereby a player can be sent off with a yellow card which is then reviewed and potentially upgraded to a red without using up playing time –and shot clocks –to ensure kicks are taken in a timely manner –as part of the new changes.

It is hoped the bunker system will stop a repeat of Freddie Steward’s