June 13 (Reuters) – The International Rugby Board (IRB) is
to try out a new “crouch, touch, set” scrum engagement sequence
next season in a bid to ease a problem area of the sport.
The trial sequence will feature the front rows crouching
before the props use one arm to touch the shoulder of their
opposite numbers.
The props follow up by withdrawing their arms, the referee
will call “set” when the front rows are ready and the scrum can
then be arranged.
“The scrum is a complex, dynamic area and it was very clear
from advice and expertise evaluated by the Scrum Steering Group
there is no quick and easy fix,” chairman Bernard Lapasset told
the IRB’s website (www.irb.com).
“I would like to thank all Unions for their continued
commitment to the important process of improvement in this area
and their full support of this initial trial.”
The trial was approved at a meeting last month of the Scrum
Steering Group which is made up of Union and players’
representatives, former players and other experts.
(Writing by Tony Jimenez; editing by Alison Wildey)
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