The French Rugby Federation and National Rugby League are seeking to implement two new laws surrounding injury and concussion replacements.
In a joint statement, both bodies said that they would first like to increase the number of substitutes allowed per match from eight to 12. A ‘blue card’ system has also been proposed, which would allow a referee to request the substitution of a player showing obvious signs of a concussion.
Following a blue card, a player would then be subject to a compulsory rest of at least 10 days, depending on a medical authorisation.
The proposal requires the stamp of approval from World Rugby, but the LNR told AFP it was confident of getting the green light for the radical change. A response from World Rugby is expected within two weeks.
Should it be approved, the new law would allow a tactical replacement to come on for a player who is injured, bleeding or showing signs of a concussion.
Currently, only front-row forwards are allowed to re-enter the field of play in case of injury to the vital positions of prop and hooker.
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