IRFU weighs 20-Minute red card proposal as French Rugby Bodies oppose

The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) is deliberating its stance on World Rugby's proposed trial of the 20-minute red card rule, which would allow a team to replace a red-carded player after 20 minutes.

While the IRFU has yet to make a decision, the proposal faces firm opposition from key French rugby organizations.

The Fédération Française de Rugby (FFR), La Ligue Nationale de Rugby (LNR), and the players’ union Provale have jointly voiced their “firm opposition” to the trial, deeming it an "unacceptable step backwards."

These groups argue that the proposed rule change could undermine the impact of serious foul play on match outcomes and player safety.

The 20-minute red card trial, initiated primarily by the southern hemisphere, was tested during this year’s Rugby Championship and the Under-20 World Championship in South Africa, where just three red cards were issued.

World Rugby praised the trials as “successful initial trials,” but the French bodies believe the data is insufficient to justify such a significant change.

In their statement, the French organizations argued that red cards do not necessarily lead to a loss for the penalized team.

“Statistics provided by the FFR to World Rugby show that a red card does not systematically mean defeat for the penalised team,” the statement said.

Data from 480 Top 14 matches and Tier 1 international games revealed that only 60 percent of teams receiving a red card ended up losing.

The ongoing debate highlights a key divide between the northern and southern hemispheres regarding the balance between maintaining discipline and keeping matches competitive.