World Rugby’s refereeing guidance for the autumn internationals will focus on scrums, foul play and the use of the Television Match Official (TMO), following discussions with international coaches and match officials ahead of the Nations Championship’s return.
The governing body wants a safer, more continuous game while preserving competition at the breakdown and set-piece. Coaches broadly supported the recent rise in tries and ball-in-play time, but also identified areas they considered unclear, including scrum and breakdown decisions, deliberate knock-ons and foul play during scoring plays.
For scrums, officials will focus on both loosehead props keeping their right shoulders out to promote an even contest. Hookers must also keep a brake foot grounded in the tunnel to help maintain stability.
The TMO is expected to intervene only when a decision is “clear and obvious” and within a short window of opportunity. Its work will largely concern foul play and try-scoring situations, with other calls left to the on-field officials.
Officials have been told to crack down on hip-drop tackles, for which the sanction threshold begins at a yellow card. The offence involves a defender grabbing an opponent from the side or behind, rotating around them and dropping their weight onto the ball carrier’s lower limbs. Referees will also reinforce the law against tacklers dropping to their knees before making a tackle.
Under the existing 20-minute red-card system, offences around the tackle and breakdown that meet the red-card threshold will result in a temporary dismissal. The Head Contact Process, used by officials to assess foul play, has been updated to cover illegal acts at the breakdown. A permanent red card remains reserved for particularly serious foul play away from the ball.
World Rugby data from Nations Championship and Nations Cup matches shows that average tries rose from six to eight per international match over two years, while penalties kicked fell from 3.5 in 2024 to 1.5 in 2026. Referee insiders attribute increased ball-in-play time in part to faster play and a consistent approach to the breakdown. Officials have also been encouraged to set scrums and line-outs within 30 seconds.
The Nations Championship begins on 6 November, with Ireland hosting Argentina in Dublin. The competition ends with a finals weekend at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham. All finals-weekend matches apart from the showpiece will use a golden-point system if scores are level after 80 minutes.
Sources: BBC Sport.