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Attempts at the rugby union can no longer be scored by landing the ball against the post protector, World rugby announced on Tuesday.
The change in law, which takes effect immediately, was approved by the council of the world governing body on Tuesday.
World Rugby, explaining the amendment to Law Eight, said that with defensive players currently forced to stay behind the goal line, and the shape and size of the post-protector increasing for welfare reasons, it was increasingly difficult for teams legally defend the area.
They also pointed to “extreme cases,” where the padding had been lifted or moved by defending teams to make it difficult for their opponents to score attempts, thereby exposing players to an increased risk of injury.
From now on, the post protector will no longer be considered an extension of the goal line.
“World Rugby’s mission is to make the game as simple, safe and fun as possible,” said President Bill Beaumont.
“This amendment to the law reflects that mission. By stipulating that an attacking team can no longer score against the guard post and therefore must land the ball inside the goal, this gives defending teams a fair chance to avoid get a try. “
