This weekend will see as many as six Tests taking place as international rugby swings into focus, with the Springboks ready to kick off their Test schedule for 2025 with a match against Italy at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday.
It should be remembered that ahead of the 2025 Test season, the World Rugby Council has approved the global trial of the 20-minute red card in elite competitions, which is the final step before any trial law becomes a full law of the game subject to council approval.
Under this trial, a player who commits foul play that is not deemed deliberate or intentional will receive a red card and be permanently removed from the game. However, their team may return to a full complement after 20 minutes by bringing on one of their available replacements.
“This ensures that individual players – not the contest as a whole – bear the consequence of reckless actions,” a statement read.
“The 20-minute red card aims to maintain the spectacle and competitive integrity of elite matches, while upholding rugby’s unwavering commitment to player welfare.”
The trial will operate in all elite competitions ahead of a final decision on permanent adoption in 2026. Importantly, referees retain the authority to issue a full and permanent red card for any foul play considered deliberate and highly dangerous.
Two yellow cards will constitute a 20 minute red card, unless the second offence meets the threshold for a full red card.
THE SPRINGBOKS’ CLASH AGAINST ITALY WILL BE A HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEKEND TESTS
Saturday, 5 July
Japan vs Wales – 06:00
New Zealand vs France – 09:05
South Africa vs Italy – 17:10
Georgia vs Ireland – 19:10
Chile vs Romania – 20:00
Argentina vs England – 21:40
ALSO
Maori All Blacks vs Scotland – 05:35
Waratahs vs British & Irish Lions – 12:00
Sunday, 6 July
USA vs Belgium – 01:30
Australia vs Fiji – 05:30
What do you think of this red card policy?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
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