Injury replacements only

[Sandydragon]

Fail reporting that a trial is being discussed deny World Rugby to revert to injury only subs.

Whilst there is potential for cheating, I’m all for this both from an entertainment aspect and player safety.

[Which Tyler]

I'd love it - but can't see what would actually change; it's not like professional coaches have ever been unwilling to lie to the 4th official.

Of course one (bad) option would be to only allow replacements for injuries - AND enforce a 10 day "recuperation" on the replaced player

[Digby]

3 or 4 players on the bench would help. And that would be massive for the amateur game freeing up many players for the 2nds and 3rds

[Sandydragon]

For pro games, I'd like an independent medical assessment to be available, and strict sanctions for anyone caught cheating.

Mindful that we do need to manage HIAs, so the bench does need to have some cover, I would reduce the number of replacements, no more than 5 in my opinion, 3 forward and 2 backs. If a prop can't cover both sides of the head then its uncontested scrum time, which is annoying but looking at the game as a whole it makes sense to do this.

[Digby]

Providing if it goes uncontested you're not allowed the front row replacement

[Banquo]

3 or 4 players on the bench would help. And that would be massive for the amateur game freeing up many players for the 2nds and 3rds

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[Puja]

3 or 4 players on the bench would help. And that would be massive for the amateur game freeing up many players for the 2nds and 3rds

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In the amateur game where I play (Dorset and Wilts), you're only allowed three subs unless you are the lowest team at that club (so our 3rds can have unlimited subs (in theory - usually minus 1!)). So I don't know the amateur game is that impacted.

I'd be in favour of keeping the same size bench in the pro game, with rolling subs, but 5 subs only, including injuries. If a player is injured after you used your 5 subs, then tough luck, go down to 14. Only exceptions are for HIA and blood.

Puja

[Banquo]

3 or 4 players on the bench would help. And that would be massive for the amateur game freeing up many players for the 2nds and 3rds

this

In the amateur game where I play (Dorset and Wilts), you're only allowed three subs unless you are the lowest team at that club (so our 3rds can have unlimited subs (in theory - usually minus 1!)). So I don't know the amateur game is that impacted.

I'd be in favour of keeping the same size bench in the pro game, with rolling subs, but 5 subs only, including injuries. If a player is injured after you used your 5 subs, then tough luck, go down to 14. Only exceptions are for HIA and blood.

Puja

Not the case in higher (theoretically amateur) leagues.

[Sandydragon]

I tend to agree that many of the higher amateur leagues don't have that restriction. In the lowest leagues the problem normally is finding 15 people!

[Mikey Brown]

I feel like the 'impact players' thing is too embedded in the game now to really go back on this. I do sort of like the football model though. It would add a bit more of an interesting tactical side to it, but you still have your 8 players available on the bench.

Front row injuries etc. is obviously still a problem but I imagine that always will be. Just allow front rows to rotate in cases of injury. Unless Slimani is involved, in which case don't allow any front row subs at all.