Super Rugby Pacific has confirmed the law variations that are set to be implemented for the 2023 season.
One of the key changes will be the implementation of shot clocks, designed to speed up the game.
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Referees will enforce 90 second time limits on conversions, 60 for penalty kicks, 30 for scrums and lineouts and 5 seconds for the ball to be used at rucks.
“We want Super Rugby Pacific to be the most entertaining, innovative and fastest professional rugby competition in the world," Tournament Director Matt Barlow said in a statement.
"We’ve listened to our fans and taken steps to reduce stoppages and video replays, increase flow and maintain the integrity of the competition and the safety of players in regard to yellow and red cards.
“Players, coaches and referees are excited about these innovations, and we believe they will create a better fan experience both at game and for those watching on television.”
Along with this, the competition will look to reduce the use of the TMO within general play.
This will see it only used to 'interrupt' play to investigate serious, clear and obvious incidents of foul play missed by the on-field match officials.
Any incident of foul play that is deemed at the Yellow Card level on-field will automatically be reviewed by the TMO during the 10-minute period the player is off.
They will have eight minutes to make a decision to either uphold the call or upgrade to a red card, which will once again see a player sidelined for 20 minutes.
Barlow also confirmed referees will have the power to issue a full red card for deliberate foul play in which a player can not be replaced after the 20 minutes has allotted.
The review process for dangerous play will be as vigorous as ever and we believe TMOs will be able to make better judgements about the seriousness of foul play offences without the pressure of having to watch replays under stressful time constraints," Barlow added.
"There is also the addition of a stronger deterrent for deliberate foul play with the referee having the option of issuing a full Red Card.
“We know players and fans don’t want to watch multiple frame-by-frame replays while they wait for the match to resume, so we believe we’ve struck the right balance.
“TMOs will still be reviewing the two phases before a try is scored and can still be called upon by the referee to check things like the ball being grounded when a try has been scored. The difference will be the Match Official Team will lead the process and viewers will not see as many replays.”
