The Board of European Rugby Cup has ratified the introduction of 23-man match day squads for the Heineken Cup and European Challenge Cup tournaments for 2009/10 season onwards. Now I know the original change did cross this blog when it happened but it is good to see two of the major competitions taking it on board.
This all follows on the recent alteration to Law 3 by the IRB and is aimed at reducing the number of games that go to uncontested scrums and to remove the advantage which one team may gain when uncontested scrums arise.
The alteration can be found under Law 3.15 Union Specific Variations which states the following (courtesy of the IRB website):
3.15 UNION SPECIFIC VARIATIONS
(a) A Union or Unions, where a match or competition is played between teams from two or more Unions, may implement variations to Law 3.4 for matches below international level as set out in (b) and/or (c) below.
(b) When 22 or 23 players are nominated in a team there must be sufficient front row players to play at hooker, tight-head prop and loose-head prop who are suitably trained and experienced to ensure that on the first occasion that a replacement in any front row position is required, the team can continue to play safely with contested scrums.
(c) A provision may be introduced that where uncontested scrums are ordered as a result of there being no suitably trained and experienced front row replacement for any reason, the team concerned shall not be entitled to replace the player whose departure caused uncontested scrums.
The ERC said that from this season forward each club’s match day squad now must contain a minimum of three specialist front row players within the named eight replacements comprising two props and a hooker.
It goes further and specifically included the option in Law 3.15(c) which states that if all front row replacements have been utilised during a game, and there is a further front row injury, and no fit front row player is available from the original starting team or replacement bench, the injured player will leave the field but may not be replaced.
For the record, as it stands currently, this option is not available for international matches.
This is going to be interesting. Wonder who the 1st club will be that has to compete with only 14 players?
1 @JimT Howzit JimT! Well the purpose is to get at the cheats, this should do the trick.
@Koos – Yeah, I like the idea of keeping teams honest.
Where do you live Koos to be up at this time of day?
3 @JimT I am in Brisbane JimT, tis not THAT early for me…
Koos is a Aussie supporter now. 😯
JimT, I believe you are skyping with our RT darling 😆
@Ed_the_Lion – LOL. Hey, It’s Sleepless in Boston, Ed the Lion man. How you doing?
@JimT – I am great Mr. No sleep in AtlantaT. hehehe. How are you? I have tomorrow off, so only working again on Tuesday.
5 @Ed_the_Lion Sure and you support the Eagles…
@Koos – hehehe, Koos, don’t get all touchy on me now. How are you doing? Have a look at wetalkrugby quickly.
@Koos – I’ve visited Brisbane. Even had some distant relatives there, on the Irish side of the family. I dug up the death certificate of a long lost relative. My mother & her sisters had this family legend that he was very wealthy owning several broadcasting stations. Died without any heirs but the Aussie govt wouldn’t release funds due to a lost illegitimate child. Lo & behold the death certificate showed that he was just a retired seaman. Don’t think my mother & aunts ever forgave me. 🙂
@Ed_the_Lion – Yes, that’s true. She was surprised. Think she’s in mental counseling as a result. 🙂
@JimT – bwahaha. Glad to see you are OK. 😆
10 @Ed_the_Lion So did you pick the Cheetahs for the weekend?
@Ed_the_Lion – That’s true I forgot about the holiday. These things creep up on you fast. The nice thing about this forum there’s always somebody awake. Let’s Skype GBS & wake him up, heh, heh 🙂
15@Koos – Not yet. I think it would be a good choice for my SBru, but my heart won’t allow it. Can’t see us beating you guys in Bloem.
@JimT – His Skype is off 🙁
11 @JimT Hehe and the illegitimate child? Sometimes better not to dig up dirt.
16 @Ed_the_Lion Hey I see you copying my hard work onto your sight…watch it!
Nah Ed, did you see the long injury list, we are going to struggle.
By the way, I did up a match thread for the game and set it to publish itself at 2pm tomorrow. I may well be in dream land by that time but will you check that it happens, also make sure we don’t end up with two for the game?
@Koos – I will keep my eyes open.
Ed, it is listed there as ‘scheduled’ so it should be fine.
@Koos – I will still make sure. Just had a skype session with JimT. Great guy. Knows his rugby!!
22 @Ed_the_Lion Only people with skype accounts in my house are my wife and daughter…won’t trust you with theirs 😯
@Koos – I can’t blame you. hehehe. I am happy with my girl though.
JimT, are you the guy involved in US rugby? If so do you know Daniel de Sosa (sp, I think thats the name..)
OK, GOOD NIGHT!!!
@Koos – Not at the national level just at High School level. I used to know the USA Eagles coach some years back.
Like Ed I got to get some sleep. See you Koos.
Later guys!
JimT, just got to add quickly. As far as I know he is also involved at school level or maybe college. He belongs to another group I correspond with and he always tells about the struggle on his side. Thought you guys can swap war stories…
I will get his proper name and let you know another day.
WP / Stormers will be the 1st SH team to play with 14 as they have only 3 props in the union since Steady Eddie retired injured.
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