IRB approves new scrummaging law

A new scrummaging rule will be introduced to rugby union next year in a bid to improve safety, the International Rugby Board announced.

The new IRB Council law will see a four-stage "crouch, touch, pause, engage" process that will bring packs closer and cut the force on impact when it is implemented on January 1.

The world governing body has reviewed the safety of the scrum after recommendations by its medical committee although it rejected calls to follow rugby league and "de-power" the scrum.

The key change to the present sequence is that the two props will have to touch their opponent's shoulder. Currently, the two packs often charge at each other from up to three feet away.

Front rows will also be prohibited from engaging with their head and shoulders lower than their hips in a bid to reduce the number of collapsed scrums while keeping set-pieces competitive.

IRB chairman Dr Syd Millar said the contested scrum remained central to the sport.

"An essential element of rugby is its physicality. This has to be appropriately balanced with the welfare of participating players and the IRB continues to take such issues very seriously.

"The IRB believes that the contested scrum is an integral part of the game and that rugby is unique in that its playing charter provides the opportunity for individuals of all shapes and sizes to play the game," said Millar.

Japanese officials have confirmed that the country will make a formal bid to host the 2015 rugby World Cup. After losing out to New Zealand in the race for the 2011 tournament, the Japan Rugby Football Union was anxious to bring the finals to Asia for the first time. On the pitch, the side claimed an unwanted slice of rugby history in 1995 when they lost 145-17 to New Zealand - then the largest losing margin at a World Cup. That was eclipsed by Australia's 142-0 rout of Namibia in 2003.