Prem refereeing changes target closer alignment with international rugby

Prem clubs have agreed changes to refereeing interpretations intended to bring English domestic matches closer to international rugby, according to a Guardian report published on Wednesday. The move comes as England coach Steve Borthwick prepares for the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

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The Guardian reported that Borthwick met club directors of rugby last month, with the Rugby Football Union's refereeing team presenting the intended approach. Areas identified include offside and the scrum's brake-foot requirement. Borthwick has also raised concerns about differences in how the breakdown is officiated.

The brake-foot requirement already appears in World Rugby's scrum laws. During the initial crouch stage, hookers must use the foot to stabilise themselves and prevent axial loading. A breach brings a free-kick. During the bind stage, they can reposition that foot, but it must continue to perform its braking function rather than cease supporting the engagement process.

World Rugby's sequence requires both packs to be aligned, still and stable before the referee gives the set instruction. Hookers then remove the brake foot as the sides engage. The rules also require front-row players to keep both feet grounded, with their weight supported firmly by at least one foot, and require players to be ready to push.

The welfare purpose dates back to the trial announced by World Rugby and Six Nations Rugby in January 2022. It covered the men's, women's and under-20 championships. World Rugby said it had consulted international hookers, scrum coaches and officials, and wanted to assess whether the adjustment could reduce collapses, resets and excessive pressure on players during scrum engagement.

The Guardian linked the agreement on interpretations to the absence of relegation in the coming Prem season, saying the removal of that pressure had helped clubs align their approach. The reported changes concern officiating existing laws, rather than a newly announced global rulebook.

The new league season begins on Friday, with Northampton hosting Newcastle and Harlequins playing Bath, according to the report.