End of uncontested scrums in France

Friday 04th July 2008

The French Rugby Federation (FFR) has taken a huge step towards ending the abuse of the rule regarding uncontested scrums.

News from the National Referees Congress held in Toulouse on Friday and Saturday is that the FFR has informed the International Rugby Board (IRB) of the French decision to change to rules applying to the replacement of specialist front-row players in France's domestic competition, the Top 14.

Uncontested scrums were a massive talking point during the 2007/08 Top 14 season, with many coaches accused of abusing the rules as soon as their scrum was under pressure.

In the letter sent to the IRB, René Hourquet, head of the referees in France, states that from August 1 the French will be reverting back to the rule whereby if a team cannot replace an injured front-row player with a specialist in the same position, the side will have to continue with fourteen men.

Up until now, regulations stated that each front row position must be covered on the bench and coaches may not make two 'tactical' replacements (one of the two must be due to injury).

In the case where two replacements are made and an non-specialist is obliged to play in a front row position, the referee signalled the use of uncontested scrums.

But faced with increasing the problems caused by 'fake' injuries, the FFR has repeatedly signalled their concerns to the world rugby's governing body. The usual reply received is said to indicate that the problem was isolated to France and no action would be taken at an international level.

The FFR has by consequence decided to 'fix' their problem alone. No doubt the Top 14 coaches will have plenty to say when they return from their July holidays.