New Zealand Rugby (NZR) understands that in order to create quality rugby experiences for all participants, the game needs to develop to ensure it meets their needs and abilities.

Improving the participant’s experience is key to ensuring that rugby remains a safe, relevant, and viable offering for the communities that play, coach, manage, referee, and support the game - and is a vital part of NZR's Participation Framework.

The introduction of initiatives such as Game On, the U85 Club Cup, and Small Blacks changes in 2020 provided opportunity for more rugby to be played, resulting in an enhanced player experience.

As a continuation of this thinking, fifteen Experimental Domestic Safety Law Variations (EDSLVs) are being introduced in the 2022 season.

Eight of the fifteen EDSLVs are intended to be rolled out nationally across Small Blacks, Secondary School Rugby and Senior Club Rugby; with the other seven being trialled in selected competitions, in consultation with Provincial Unions. 

Auckland Rugby will be working closing with the relevant committees on the impacts and implementation of these trials, and will ensure the relevant education/coaching resources/tools are available to the community coaches/referee and shared to support the implementation.

Article added: Thursday 09 September 2021