1
Summer Nations Series to trial major new card system
By Ian Cameron
The Six Nations-owned Summer Nations Series have confirmed that the tournament will feature a number of exciting innovations, including the use of the 'TMO bunker' process.
The tournament is set to commence on July 29th and run for five weekends.
One of the key innovations is the implementation of the 'Bunker' review process and Hawk-Eye technology across the series. These additions are aimed - according to a statement released this lunchtime - at supporting referees and match officials in their decision-making processes while also promoting faster gameplay.
The introduction of the Bunker trial aligns with the sport's ambition to explore its future application and provide extra support to match officials. During the trial, referees will retain their role as the primary decision-makers, but they will have the option to refer any unclear foul play incidents to a dedicated 'Foul Play Review Officer' (FPRO) located within the Bunker.
If a red card decision is not evident after two video replays, the FPRO will have up to 8 minutes to review the incident using all available technology and footage to make a determination.
RugbyPass understands that the bunker approach is also set to be used at the upcoming Rugby World Cup in France.
Additionally, Hawk-Eye technology will serve as the independent video replay operator, offering support to referees and enhancing the accuracy of decision-making during matches.
For fans attending the games in the stadiums or watching from home, the shot clock, ref cam, and smart ball match data, presented by Sage, will enhance their match-day experience.
The shot clock, which successfully featured during this year's Six Nations, will provide players with 90 seconds to take a conversion and 60 seconds for a penalty kick, with the countdown displayed on screens in the stadiums and broadcast coverage. This innovation aims to provide players with accurate information while adding to the excitement for the fans throughout the games.
The reintroduction of ref cam is another fan-focused decision. By utilizing the latest technology and equipment, ref cam will offer broadcasters access to new angles and perspectives from live games, bringing fans even closer to the action.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Zebre put up for sale by Italian Rugby Federation
3
Stuart Lancaster 'wants out' of Racing 92 and eyeing Euro giants job
4
Henry Arundell lined up for early England homecoming
5
Latest Comments
I'm honestly not so sure. I initially thought just reckless mainly because no player should be capable of doing that intentionally.
There's a strong argument that he's working both the eyes. It's his left hand he uses which is furthest from the ball he's contesting. His fingers are also clenched which I don't think is a natural way to try and rip a ball.
Go to comments"I see those teams, SA in particular, as only improving their performances in EPCR."
well, its gone the opposite direction so far!
"I don't like your model that requires them to reach Semi Final level in the Challenge trophy, given the bottleneck that will be URC with 16 teams playing for only 4 places."
my model would have given SA 3 spots in a 16 team CC this year, which is the same number as they have in the 24 team version that is actually taking place. But yes, if they keep getting worse it would get harder for them to get places. It would also get harder for you to argue that they deserve places though!
"I suggest by giving say Englands two semi finalist first seeds of the english teams, then the next best 4 on the league table as much better (it catches improving teams faster)."
interesting argument, but it doesn't always go that way. Gloucester are improving, but they improved in cup competitions before league fixtures started going their way. The same is true of Sharks, and the same was true of la Rochelle. I think maybe this is just an argument for allowing more teams to qualify via the challenge cup!
Go to comments