Twenty-minute red card trial starts in 2025 Six Nations

The 2025 Six Nations will trial a new 20-minute red card rule, allowing players to be temporarily removed for technical offences. This change aims to keep games competitive and reduce the impact of accidental fouls, unlike the previous permanent red card system. Referees can still issue permanent red cards for deliberate foul play, which means those players cannot be replaced. The trial follows successful implementation in Super Rugby and the Rugby Championship, despite opposition from some rugby federations concerned about player safety. Additional law changes include countdown clocks for scrums and lineouts to speed up play, and revised TMO protocols for clearer decision-making. These adjustments aim to enhance the game experience for fans while maintaining player welfare standards.