Super Rugby Pacific has confirmed a series of law modifications for the 2026 season aimed at reducing stoppages, encouraging attacking rugby and simplifying officiating.
With strong backing from clubs, referees and key stakeholders, five major law changes have been approved for this year’s competition.
Under Law 8.3, referees will no longer be required to automatically issue a yellow or red card when awarding a penalty try. Any additional sanction will now be at the referee’s discretion.
Accidental offsides and instances where teams delay playing the ball away from a ruck will result in free kicks rather than scrums (Laws 10.5 and 15.17), a move designed to keep the game flowing.
In another change around the breakdown, once the referee calls “use it” at a ruck, no additional attacking players may join (Law 15.17), further speeding up possession.
Teams will also be allowed to pass the ball back into their own half before attempting a 50:22 kick (Law 18.8a), adding a new tactical dimension to the contest.
Quick taps have been given more flexibility too. Players will be able to take a quick tap within one metre either side of the mark, or anywhere behind it, provided they remain within a two-metre channel parallel to the touchlines (Law 20.2).
The competition has also reaffirmed its commitment to the Television Match Official guidelines introduced in 2023. The TMO will only intervene without invitation if there has been an act of serious foul play at yellow card level or above, or a clear and obvious infringement leading directly to a try.
At all other times, the referee must request TMO assistance. The approach is designed to empower on-field officials while maintaining the rhythm of the match.
Over the past four years, these innovations have helped eliminate more than four minutes of dead time per game in Super Rugby Pacific.
CEO Jack Mesley said the changes reflect the competition’s commitment to delivering an entertaining product.
“These innovations for 2026 reflect the ongoing commitment of Super Rugby Pacific to deliver the most entertaining and engaging rugby competition in the world,” Mesley said.
“We want to be a competition that encourages quick taps and faster restarts, that cuts down on unnecessary stoppages, and that embraces positive, attacking rugby.
“Super Rugby Pacific will continue to work closely with World Rugby and our stakeholders to evolve the game and strongly advocate for the innovations that are clearly working here to be adopted more widely.”
Super Point will remain in place for 2026. If scores are level at full-time, teams will contest up to ten minutes of extra time, with the first team to score declared the winner. If neither side scores, the match will be recorded as a draw.
The six-team Finals Series format introduced last season will also continue, with an adjustment to the “lucky loser” system. In 2026, the highest-ranked losing team from the Qualifying Finals will progress as the fourth seed, ensuring they play away from home in both the Semi-Finals and Grand Final if they advance.
The 2026 season kicks off on Friday 13 February, with the Highlanders hosting the Crusaders. The NSW Waratahs then face the Queensland Reds to round out the opening night.
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