ELVs set to conquer France

The International Rugby Board (IRB) has announced details of an expanded trial of the Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) at an elite level of competition in the northern hemisphere.

Starting this weekend, the Espoirs Championship in France will provide the platform for a further six-month trial of the variations that have featured in the recent Tri-Nations and Super 14 competitions, but are not part of the global trial that kicked off on August 1.

With weekly fixtures, the Espoirs Championship is the Top 14's second team competition, featuring a blend of professionals and up-and-coming Under-23 academy players.

"The IRB Council, at its meeting in Dublin in May, outlined the importance of identifying a suitable elite level competition in the northern hemisphere to further trial the experimental variations that were not approved for global trial in the 2008/09 season," said IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset.

"These variations relate to sanctions [the reduction of sanctions to free kicks where possible], the tackle, ruck and maul."

The agreement, reached with the Fédération Française de Rugby (FFR) and Ligue Nationale de Rugby (LNR) represents the highest level of testing of the ELVs in the northern hemisphere and is another milestone in the global ELV trial process, allowing the IRB to further evaluate the variations in a professional competition environment.

"The IRB is delighted that the FFR and LNR have provided the opportunity to proceed with this important trial within a professional competition structure. This is an exciting development for the Game and over the next six months the Laws Project Group (LPG) will be able to undertake extensive data research, including qualitative feedback from players, coaches and referees," added Lapasset.

In March 2009 the ELV review process will begin and include Member Union feedback. The Rugby Committee will then make a recommendation to Council in May 2009 when the decision to accept any or all of the ELVs will be made.

Espoirs Championship ELVs:

Sanctions:  For all offences other than offside, not entering through the gate, and Law 10 - Foul Play, the sanction is a free kick.

Tackle and ruck: If the ball is unplayable at the breakdown, the side that did not take the ball into contact will receive a free kick.

Maul: If a maul becomes unplayable, the team not in possession at the start of the maul receives a free kick.