Saru set to enforce new rules

A new set of experimental laws will be implemented in all local competitions from Friday, the SA Rugby Union (Saru) has confirmed.

The laws, developed by the International Rugby Board (IRB), were expected to result in more continuity in matches and reduce the risk of serious injuries.

"Key features are a new scrum engagement sequence, stricter policing of the scrum feed, adjustments to judicial sanctions and strengthening of concussion protocols," Saru said in a statement.

The laws were only due to be implemented in the southern hemisphere after August 1, but Saru took the decision to fast track the implementation to assist the Springboks in preparing for their end-of-year tour and franchises preparing for the 2014 Super Rugby season.

The new laws would be used for the first time in the Absa Currie Cup First Division competition, which kicks off on Friday.

"The new laws will not apply to the Castle Rugby Championship, the remainder of the current Vodacom Super Rugby season or the Super Rugby playoffs," Saru said.

Among the new changes, props would now be required to pre-bind before the "hit", resulting in the scrum call being changed from "crouch, touch, set" to "crouch, bind, set".

Referees had been told to more strictly police a straight feed by scrumhalves into the scrum, while all players diagnosed with or suspected of having concussion needed to be removed from the match and could take no further part in the game.

(File Photo: Gallo Images)

-Sapa