French authorities oppose 20-minute red cards promoted by World Rugby
South Africa players celebrate with the trophy after defeating Argentina and winning the rugby championship at Mbombela stadium in Nelspruit, South Africa, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Themba Hadebe]
PARIS (AP) — French authorities are joining forces with players to oppose plans by World Rugby to introduce a 20-minute red card. The French Rugby Federation, the French league and the players’ union Provale say the proposed new law poses a health risk. World Rugby said last week that the possibility of replacing a red-carded player with a teammate after 20 minutes was moving closer to global adoption following “successful trials.” In a joint statement, however, the federation, league and the players’ union say they are firmly opposed to the adoption of the rule.
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FILE - Referee Wayne Barnes holds up a red card for New Zealand's Sam Cane during the Rugby World Cup final match between New Zealand and South Africa at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, near Paris Oct. 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Christophe Ena