Scrum in senior rugby: IRB make changes.

The IRB have announced some changed to the "engage" in senior rugby. This will not affect juniors, or come to that most leagues outside the premiership as these are currently played to U19 laws. Indeed to an extent the rule changes brings the elite game closer to the practices at U19. Referees will also wish to take note.

Its all a bit technical, but changes are:

1. The new Law to be applied for the scrum engagement will be: The referee will call "crouch" then "touch". The front rows crouch and using their outside arm each prop touches the point of the opposing prop's outside shoulder. The props then withdraw their arms. The referee will then call "pause". Following a pause the referee will then call "engage". The front rows may then engage. The "engage" call is not a command but an indication that the front rows may come together when ready. This is a change to Law 20.1(h). Presently law 20.1 (h) stipulates a "crouch, pause,engage" sequence.

2. The scrum must be stationary and the middle line of the scrum must be parallel to the goal lines. A team must not shove the scrum away from the mark before the ball is thrown in. This reinforces current Law 20.1(k).

3. The front rows must crouch so that when they meet, each player's head and shoulders are no lower than their hips. This will ensure that both front rows are at as suitable horizontal height. This reinforces current Law 20.1(g).

The Law change will come into effect on January 1, 2007 with recommendations 2 and 3 coming into effect concurrently. This Lawchange will also go hand in hand with the zero tolerance policy on crooked feeds to the scrum that will come into effect on January 1, 2007.