Rugby World Cup Trials ‘Orange Cards’ as Possible Addition

World Rugby is considering implementing "orange cards" for the upcoming World Cup, as per the head of match officials. The yellow card review system, seen in Super Rugby Pacific, is being tried out and may be incorporated into the global event hosted by France in the fall. Though instances of foul play may still result in a red card, referees may opt to issue a yellow card that may be upgraded to red following a review by the TMO.

By reducing the number of on-field replays and dealing with contentious decisions, which includes the dismissal of England's Freddie Steward against Ireland last month, the initiative aims to bring speed to the game. Steward was expelled for a dangerous challenge on Hugo Keenan during the Six Nations match on 18 March, but a disciplinary panel rescinded the card.

According to World Rugby's Joel Jutge, "This is an operation being tested in Super Rugby. In the event of a 50-50 decision, the referee has the possibility of giving a yellow card so that the game can resume as soon as possible, while the TMO has 10 minutes of temporary expulsion to decide whether this should be turned into permanent expulsion. We would give orange cards, clearly."

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