France Rugby Opposes 20-Minute Red Card Proposal

French rugby authorities, including the French Rugby Federation (FFR), the National Rugby League (LNR), and the players' union Provale, have united in strong opposition to World Rugby's proposed 20-minute red card rule. This rule would allow teams to replace a player sent off for a red card after 20 minutes, a change they argue poses health risks and undermines player safety. They contend that the red card serves as a crucial deterrent against unsporting behavior and assert that insufficient data from trials does not justify the global implementation of such a significant alteration. The organizations highlighted that only 60% of teams receiving a red card lost their matches, suggesting that the proposed change may not enhance fairness as intended. They also warned that this law could encourage more aggressive play and damage the sport's integrity. The debate comes ahead of a World Rugby council meeting, where these concerns will be presented.