New and improved World Rugby Laws app released

World Rugby has announced the release of its updated 2025 law book and a significantly enhanced version of the World Rugby Laws of the Game app.

The new app, available now on the iOS App Store and Google Play Store, has been rebuilt with an emphasis on user experience and features the most recent law variations, clarifications, and match official signals.

The content, offered in 12 languages, covers all variations of rugby and is aimed at improving accessibility and clarity for players, officials, and fans.

Referee Hollie Davidson on how she’s been treated | RPTV

Referee Hollie Davidson on how she’s been treated | RPTV

Stronger Than You Think presenters Ashleigh Wilmot and Jodie Ounsley sit down with referee, Hollie Davidson. Hollie refereed both the finals of Rugby World Cup 7s and Rugby World Cup 2021, within mere weeks of each other. With a CV including many ‘firsts’, Hollie has not only reached the top of the women’s game, but is also a trailblazer in the men’s game. Watch the full episode on RugbyPass TV.

The 2025 law book incorporates the latest Global Law Trials, which officially came into effect on 1 January this year. These trials are part of a broader ambition to foster a faster, more dynamic game.

The initial data indicates that this focus is already having a positive effect. According to statistics from the Autumn Nation Series, test matches saw an increase of over two additional minutes of ball-in-flow time, quicker ruck speeds at an average of two seconds, and a total match duration reduced by more than three minutes and 30 seconds.

Early signs from the Guinness Six Nations mirror this trend with ball-in-flow time reaching nearly 38 minutes and ruck speeds at 2.88 seconds.

The new law book and app also introduce several minor changes in terminology, agreed by the World Rugby Council in November 2024, to better align with common usage.

As part of this initiative, references to the “goal-line” become the “try-line” – a term already widely used by coaches, players, and fans.

World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson explained: “We’ve seen some fabulous rugby being played at both the community and elite game around the world in recent months, which all stems back to the progression of the laws of the game and the way players and coaches adapt and build their styles around them. We also want the language we use around the game to become easier to understand, and therefore to play, watch and to officiate. It also creates fewer barriers to new fans to our game.”

This user-friendly approach dovetails with World Rugby’s commitment to growing the sport globally and making it more accessible.

The updated app, along with the 2025 law book, seeks to provide all levels of the game – players, coaches, referees, and supporters – with a streamlined reference guide, reflecting both the evolving nature of rugby’s laws and the organization’s aim to ensure a clear, enjoyable experience for all involved.