IRB booklets and explanatory DVDs have now been issued to all the WRU clubs in Wales with teams already training to implement the ELVs from the start of the new season in all competitions and leagues.
The proposed ELVs as outlined by the International Rugby Board for introduction in August will be implemented across the game in Wales and the rest of the UK.
WRU Chairman David Pickering said: “In Wales all 13 new ELVs approved by the IRB will be part of every game so that we can all clearly see how the new rules modernise and improve the spectacle of rugby for supporters and the enjoyment of all the players who take part.
“These changes will then be reviewed by the IRB council at the end of the season so that we can take fully informed decisions based on meaningful trials of the new laws in action.
“It is hoped that after this global experiment we can take a unified judgement at the end of the process in May 2009.
“The original 24 suggested new laws have been paired down to the 13 and there has been widespread agreement not to adopt the experimental sanctions which replaced penalties with free kicks for some infringements. Here in Wales we agreed with the sentiment that the sanctions were a step too far.
“The ELVs represent a change in how the game is played so it is vitally important that we adopt a measured and reasoned view on how to effectively implement them.
“Certain of the ELVs have been considered but not approved by the WRU and other nations. We stand by the democratic process on law change which allows for measured governance of our game: we look forward to continuing this debate around the table at the IRB.
“What everyone in world rugby has to realise is that the game is governed through a democratic process at IRB level. This is especially relevant to those key members who play a part in this democratic process.”
The 13 ELVs being implemented affect the maul, lineout, the scrum and whether the corner post is regarded as touch in goal.
Experimental Law Variations Summary
Match Officials
Assistant referees are able to assist the referee in any way that the referee requires.
Maul
Remove reference to head and shoulders not being lower than hips.
Players are able to defend a maul by pulling it down.
Touch and Lineout
If a team puts the ball back into its own 22 and the ball is subsequently kicked directly into touch there is no gain in ground.
A quick throw in may be thrown in straight or towards the throwing team’s own goal line.
There is no restriction on the number of players from either team who can participate in the lineout.
The receiver at the lineout must be two metres away from the lineout.
The player who is in opposition to the player throwing in the ball must stand in the area between the 5-metre line and the touch line but must be two metres away from the 5-metre line.
Lineout players may pre-grip a jumper before the ball is thrown in.
The lifting of lineout players is permitted.
Scrum
Introduction of an offside line five metres behind the hindmost feet of the scrum.
Identification of scrum half offside lines.
Corner Posts
The corner posts are no longer considered to be touch in goal except when the ball is grounded against the post.
On the separate issue, the WRU has supported last week’s International Rugby Board Council decision to seek bids for hosting the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cups by next year.
WRU Chairman David Pickering explained: “There is a process to determine major issues like the awarding of World Cups and the adoption of new laws.
“On the issue of the system of awarding World Cups it is now important we respond to recent published articles in the Australian media which have jointly criticised some British nations. We would prefer not to respond to this, but due to much, sometimes inaccurate, speculation we have no other choice.
“We confirm that at the recent IRB meeting in Hong Kong there was only one option that had a proposer and a seconder regarding the awarding of RWC 2015/19 and that we, like all other members of the IRB, supported this option. This will allow for the maximum support of the world game to be attained through the RWC. It will ensure that RWC success is spread worldwide.
“The World Cup debate has been held and the democratic process has been fulfilled properly for the good of the game. It is important the integrity of that process is respected by everyone involved.”
