New laws to be trialled in provincial rugby

SHANE WENZLICK/Fairfax NZ

NEW LAWS: The changes include a new scrum engagement call which will see referees call "crouch, touch, set."

SHANE WENZLICK/Fairfax NZ

Scrum

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New laws will be trialled in this year's ITM CUP rugby competition.

At the launch for the new season in Auckland today, it was announced that there were eight laws to be trialled in the Heartland Champs and women's NPC as well as the ITM Cup.

Those new laws include a five-second time limit on playing the ball once it is available at the back of a ruck, a time limit on when conversion kicks must be completed after a try is scored, the positioning of a quick throw in, expanding the short arm penalty options for teams benefiting from a knock-on or forward throw into touch, and teams awarded a penalty or free kick at a lineout may choose another lineout without first having to kick for touch.

The changes also include a new scrum engagement call which will see referees call "crouch, touch, set."

The season begins on Thursday August 23 with Hawke's Bay hosting Auckland at McLean Park.

- © Fairfax NZ News