The International Rugby League (IRL) has unveiled a set of nine groundbreaking rule changes for the 2026 season, set to revolutionize the game and impact Hull FC, Hull KR, and the community game. These changes, crafted by the IRL Laws Advisory Group, aim to enhance play fluidity, provide clarity for players and match officials, and prioritize player safety. The group, comprising representatives from governing bodies worldwide, including the RFL's Phil Bentham and the NRL's Graham Annesley, has made significant strides in refining the rules. These changes are distinct from the RFL's Super League amendments, focusing on play the ball, scrum, and other critical aspects. Here's a detailed breakdown of the nine rule changes:
- Scrum Refinement: Teams are now prohibited from deliberately locking the ball into the scrum, resulting in a full penalty for the offending team. This change aims to streamline the scrum process.
- Packing Scrum: Loose forwards must pack behind second-row forwards by placing their head between them and wrapping their arms around them, ensuring a structured scrum formation.
- Grounding the Ball: Players must drop the ball and cover it with the front part of their body above the waist and below the neck, with the ball on the ground. This clarifies that a try cannot be scored with the back.
- Active and Passive Offside: Players must not encroach within 10 meters of an opponent waiting for the ball and must immediately retire from any opponent who first secures it. Offside players within 10 meters must remain passive until they place themselves back onside by retiring behind the kick point.
- Player Safety: Defenders tackling kickers must make a genuine, non-late, non-high, and non-dangerous contact with the kicking player in a vulnerable position.
- Playing the Ball (1): Tackled players must regain their feet, lift the ball clear, face the opponent's goal line, and place it on the ground in front of their foremost foot. Dropping the ball constitutes a knock-on.
- Playing the Ball (2): Tackled players must attempt to play the ball backward with their foot. The ball must not be kicked or heeled by the player marking them, providing clarity for referees.
- Rugby Union-Style Mauls: Players are not allowed to lend weight to a teammate in possession to gain momentum. The referee should call 'Held' immediately, considering the momentum already generated.
- Blocking: When opponents fail to make a quick tackle, colleagues of the tackled player can lend weight to avoid losing ground. The referee should call 'Held' immediately, ensuring fair play. Additionally, the IRL Board approved a new playing condition for women's senior international matches, allowing 10 interchanges, following recommendations from the Women's & Girls Advisory Group.
