Hawk-eye and Bunker review system to hit World Cup warm-ups
SPOTLIGHT: Test referees will be getting more support with their decision-making in Tests leading up to the World Cup in France.
On Monday, it was revealed that Six Nations Rugby will introduce several innovations to the upcoming Nations Series (World Cup warm-up matches), which starts on July 29.
The new Bunker review process and Hawk-Eye will feature across all games in the series, with these innovations intended to support referees and match officials in their decision-making and encourage speed of game play.
The Bunker trial has been seen before in Super Rugby Pacific and the World Rugby Under-20 Championship. It has also been adopted for this year's Rugby Championship.
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Referees will remain the lead decision-maker during games, but through the trial they will now have the option to refer any foul play incident, to a dedicated 'Foul Play Review Officer' (FPRO) situated within the Bunker, where a red card is not clear and obvious.
If after two video replays the in-play officiating team is unable to determine whether an incident warrants a red card then the referee will refer the incident to the Bunker, and the player will leave the field of play for 10 minutes. The FPRO will then have up to eight minutes to review the incident using all available technology and footage, to determine the outcome.
The FPRO will then communicate the decision to the in-play officiating team and the referee will either award the player a yellow card (and the player returns to the action following their 10-minute sinbin), or the referee will award a red card and the player stays off the field permanently, unable to be replaced.
Match officials will also benefit from Hawk-Eye technology, that will act as the independent video replay operator, to support referees and enhances accuracy of decision-making.
For fans in the stadiums and watching at home, Shot Clock, Ref Cam and Smart Ball match data stand to enhance their matchday experience. The reintroduction of Ref Cam is a fan focussed decision, and through the latest technology and equipment, aims to offer broadcasters access to new angles and perspectives from the live games, that can bring fans even closer to the action.
Following a successful trial during this year’s Six Nations, Shot Clock will be a feature of the Nations Series, giving players 90 seconds to take a conversion, and 60 seconds to take a penalty kick, with the time counting down on screen in stadia and highlighted via broadcast coverage. The application of a Shot Clock is intended to provide players with accurate information.
Commenting on the innovations set to appear in the Nations Series, Julie Paterson, Director of Rugby at Six Nations Rugby, said: "Bringing the latest technology, processes and rugby focussed innovations into Six Nations Rugby competitions is a core part of helping drive the collective growth of the game. The likes of the Bunker Trial and Hawk-Eye will offer even more support to match officials and the decisions they make in the heat of a live match environment.
"For fans, we want to bring them as close to the action as possible, and innovations like Shot Clock and Ref Cam can do this. Everyone in the game wants to keep developing and pushing new initiatives, and the Nations Series offers a great opportunity to deliver in this area."
The Nations Series starts on July 29, when Scotland host Italy in Edinburgh, and runs until Sunday, August 27, when France, the hosts of World Cup 2023, will welcome Australia to the Stade de France to close out the series.
Other key games include Wales against the Springboks and Ireland against England on August 19.