The International Rugby Board council has announced the implementation of a global trial of the new crouch, bind, set, scrum engagement sequence, starting next season in both hemispheres.
The move changes the call from crouch, touch, set, and props will be expected to bind using their outside arm after the referee has called bind in the sequence.
This means the front rows will maintain the bind until the referee calls set at that point, the two packs will engage.
The shorter three phase engagement rule is aimed at enhancing player welfare by reducing impact by up to 25% in elite competition.
The IRB's council agreed the move after extensive evaluation of the sequence during the recent IRB Pacific Rugby Cup, which indicated the possible delivery of a more stable platform leading to fewer resets and more successful scrums.
Story by: Akuila Cama
