Super rugby could follow in the footsteps of the NRL and introduce a dual-referee system as soon as next year.
Australian Rugby Union boss John O’Neill, Australian Super franchises and players have been unanimous in their support of providing fans with a more attractive style of rugby in 2010. And should those efforts fail, national referees’ coach Andrew Cole revealed a radical contingency plan had been hatched.
”Having two refs is certainly something we’re thinking about,” said Cole, a veteran referee of 31 Tests. ”It’s been discussed. It’s been trialled in lower grades in South Africa.
”We do watch a lot of other sport and other games and how the officials interact, and all that sort of stuff, and we are keeping a close eye on that development. At this stage it’s something we’re certainly keeping a close eye on. It’s got some merit.”
The Super 14 has already introduced a new interpretation of breakdown laws for this season intended to reward the attacking team – defenders will be banned from interfering with the ball and forced to roll away, get to their feet and allow the tackled player to release the ball back to teammates.
And it is hoped the move will encourage attacking teams to better utilise the ball and reduce their heavy reliance on kicking to gain field position.
Read the full article here Dual-ref system on the table for Super rugby | Stuff.co.nz.
