On November 14, 2024, rugby unions worldwide received what might be considered the sport’s equivalent of a new iOS update, whether they wanted it or not. The memo contained the latest Global Law Trials for implementation after January 1, 2025, conveniently just in time for the Six Nations Championship. The core objective was refreshingly straightforward: increase ball-in-play time and speed up the pace of rugby matches. Quicker conversions (60 seconds) (presumably to prevent teams from celebrating too long, time-wasting, and/or kickers from engaging in their elaborate pre-kick routines). A new set time to form a lineout (in line with 30 seconds at…

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