World Rugby has announced that the new simplified version of its law book will be implemented globally from 1 January next year.

In an attempt to simplify the laws and make the game easier to understand, World Rugby assembled a group of experts to head up the ‘Laws Simplification Project’.

The complete overhaul, which shortened the law book by 42%, was set to be finalised by late 2018. But the governing body confirmed that it is ready to be unveiled and implemented after it was approved at a World Rugby council meeting on 15 November.

‘As our game continues to grow around the world, we continue to strive to make the sport as accessible to all,’ said World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont. ‘The laws can be difficult to understand for new participants and fans and the new law book goes a long way towards simplifying it and making it easier to understand for players, coaches, referees and the viewing public.

‘This has been a truly collaborative effort with every union given the opportunity to contribute. I’d like to thank them and the working group for their full commitment to an extensive and important process. I believe what they have produced will make a big difference to the game as we seek to make rugby more accessible to all.’

The new version is being printed and distributed, while an online version will go live on 1 January.

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