French authorities oppose World Rugby's 20-minute red card plan
- French authorities are uniting against World Rugby's proposed 20-minute red card rule.
- The French Rugby Federation and players' union express concerns about player safety and the potential for increased unsporting behavior.
- They argue that the red card is essential for maintaining the integrity of the game and call for more evidence before implementing such changes.
In France, authorities are opposing World Rugby's proposal to implement a 20-minute red card rule, which would allow a team to replace a sent-off player after 20 minutes while the player remains unable to return for the match. This proposal follows successful trials in various competitions and aims to enhance the game experience. However, the French Rugby Federation, the French league, and the players' union Provale argue that this change could compromise player safety and encourage unsporting behavior. They emphasize that the red card serves as a crucial deterrent against foul play, protecting players' physical integrity. The opposition is based on concerns that insufficient data from trials does not justify a global implementation of the rule. They also highlight that a red card does not always lead to defeat, citing statistics from numerous matches. The introduction of this rule could potentially alter the perception of rugby, leading to more aggressive play and undermining the sport's integrity.