In a striking assertion, Owen Doyle, the former head of referees for the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU), has voiced serious concerns about the recent law trials implemented by World Rugby, particularly focusing on lineout regulations. He believes these new rules have exposed significant flaws that warrant immediate attention from the governing body.
Since the beginning of 2025, World Rugby has made notable amendments to lineout procedures, including the introduction of a shot clock and a controversial rule allowing play to continue even if a throw-in is deemed not straight, as long as the defending team does not contest it. This change was intended to expedite the game, but Doyle argues it has inadvertently led to more issues.
According to Doyle, the alterations were aimed at promoting quicker and more dynamic attacking plays from lineouts, yet he contends that they have instead resulted in an increase in mauling—a tactic where players bind together to drive forward with the ball. "The ongoing global trial concerning lineouts is revealing significant flaws, underscoring the importance of adhering to established trial protocols," Doyle wrote in his column for the Irish Times.
He elaborated on the problematic nature of the current lineout rule by pointing out that teams often remove several players from the lineout as the ball is thrown in, a practice that contradicts existing laws. "It appears that this contradiction is largely overlooked," he noted. Following the throw, these players then engage in a driving maneuver to support their teammate who catches the ball, which leads to prolonged mauls rather than swift ball distribution to the scrum-half, who should ideally pass it quickly to the backs.
Doyle emphasized that it’s still possible to reject this trial to restore the lineout as a structured competition for possession, which he insists is its rightful function according to the sport's foundational principles.
Additionally, he addressed concerns surrounding the shot clock, instituted to enhance the pace of the game but ultimately reliant on the referee's judgment for enforcement. "When guidelines are open to interpretation, inconsistencies inevitably arise, especially since referees juggle numerous responsibilities during a match," he remarked. Doyle advocates for stricter adherence to the shot clock rules, pointing out that while teams are allotted 30 seconds to set up a lineout, they are not bound to utilize the entire duration. In fact, he argues that teams should be encouraged to form quickly without dawdling.
"It’s a straightforward adjustment that doesn’t require any changes to the laws—just referees who are committed to maintaining the flow of the game," he concluded, signaling his hope for reform in how these rules are applied.
