It’s not simply about the scrum-half delivering a straight ball. The mechanics of the scrum must also change to ensure the hooker can strike safely
Referee inconsistencies laid bare in Lions clash, but it wasn’t the worst-offending match of the weekend
Referees’ consistent failure to penalise violations is cheapening the lineout
Officials must lay down a marker with teams during Lions tour
URC chief executive’s failure to condemn gamesmanship around Jaden Hendrikse’s ‘cramp and wink’ is perplexing
Amateur players are abandoning the sport over fears of sustaining brain damage
It will be in operation during Lions tour, with players sent off replaced after 20 minutes
All referees should insist on seeing the replays when so many points are at stake
Scotland’s Sam Grove-White, Ireland’s Eoghan Cross and Wales’s Adam Jones could all up their games in charge of the whistle
The decision facing referee Pierre Brousset in the last-minute of the Champions Cup semi-final was complex, but there should have been only one outcome
There will be huge interest in the outcomes of the World Rugby’s specialist group studying the breakdown
The lineout is supposed to be a contest for possession, but this trial appears to be heading in the opposite direction
Use of 7-1 split is clearly against the spirit of the game
Weekend injuries go some way to explaining why participation is falling quickly; it’s hardly a mystery
Bunker was missing in action at MacHale Park, as Connacht left it too late to fire on all cylinders
Shocking hit on Ireland’s Hugo Keenan by Italy’s Ross Vintcent in Six Nations match an obvious example of need for ultimate sanction
Antoine Dupont injury should draw attention to major problem at the breakdown in rugby
World Rugby's lineout law trial risks veering into black comedy
Ireland were major beneficiaries of the new 20-minute red card against Wales
Unlike James Doleman at Murrayfield, Nika Amashukeli’s communication at Twickenham was ideal – firm, concise, precise, polite
Leinster were fortunate against Bath with the sequence of events leading up to Obano red card
Affair raises serious questions for URC and IRFU, and is unlikely to do much for recruitment and retention of referees
Everyone needs to remember the simple old truism that without a referee there is no game
New global law trials lack suggestions to improve what has proven to be a disastrous phase of the game
The international’s comments set a dangerous precedent and the URC, and the IRFU, must take appropriate action
Dangerous carded actions must get more than just a nonchalant wave of the card from the referee
Leo Cullen doesn’t need telling that Sam Prendergast needs serious tackle mentoring
Joe Schmidt will be examining video of Ireland’s win over Australia with a particular focus on knock-ons
Referee Hollie Davidson needs more of a cutting edge when it comes to communication
Ireland’s captain obstructing a potential Argentinian defender for winning try but validity of score not checked
World Rugby Council’s decisions this week on new laws could have big effects
Owen Doyle: A crying shame that World Rugby is not studying the scrum and attempting to restore this pivotal part of the game to its original purpose
Forget words, written or spoken; visuals are needed – clear, unambiguous video clips of what foul play gets what punishment
‘Too often we see referees falling behind the play, failing to anticipate what should be blindingly obvious’
Crosswords & puzzles to keep you challenged and entertained
How does a post-Brexit world shape the identity and relationship of these islands
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