Summary of global law trials
These are the 5 global law trials for the season 2021/22 which will apply to all games as from 1st August 2021. Hopefully a bit of knowledge of the new laws will enhance your viewing pleasure.
Frank Boughey Club Referee Co-ordinator 1st XV touch judge (Retired)

50:22
If the team in possession kicks the ball from inside their own half indirectly (i.e. touches the ground or a player) into touch inside their opponents’ 22, they will throw into the resultant lineout. The ball cannot be passed or carried back into the defensive half for the 50:22 to be played. The phase must originate inside the defensive half; this is similar to the rule applied to a gain in territory from a kick inside the 22

Primary intention
To encourage the defensive team to put more players in the backfield, thereby creating more attacking space and reducing defensive line speed.
Frank’s comment
This should result in more running rugby but could just lead to more kicking in order to gain territory

Goal line drop out
If the ball is held up in the in-goal area, there is a knock-on from an attacking player in the in-goal area or an attacking kick is grounded by the defenders in their own in-goal, then play restarts with a goal line drop-out anywhere along the goal line. Attacking players need to be at least 5 metres back from the goal line and the ball must travel at least 5 metres from the drop out. If the ball goes directly into touch from the goal line drop out then the same sanctions apply as for a 22 drop out

Note. An attacking kick for the purposes of this law trial does NOT include any of a kick-off, restart kick-off following a score, drop out, drop goal or penalty attempt

Primary intention
To encourage variety in attacking play close to the goal line and to increase ball in play time by replacing a scrum with a kick that must be taken without delay. An opportunity for counter attack is also created.
Frank’s comment
This could make teams wary of a driving maul close to the line as it is often difficult for the referee to see a clear grounding (at our level anyway where we don’t have TMOs and TV cameras). Whereas a decision of ball held up currently still gives the attacking team a scrum with their put-in it now means they could find themselves, or rather the ball, back in their own half. For defenders it might mean greater focus on getting something (hand, arm, leg or whatever) underneath the ball or at least close enough to obscure the referee’s view of a grounding

Flying wedge
To sanction the three person pre-bound mini-scrum by redefining the flying wedge.

Primary intention
To reduce number of events where the ball carrier and multiple support players are in contact (latched) prior to contact, and to protect the tackler who can be faced with the combined force of three opposing players.
2 or more players latched prior to contact now results in a penalty to the defending team
Frank’s comment
This sounds like a safety measure for tacklers. Doesn’t sound like a lot will change but supporting players will have to hold back until initial contact is made by the ball carrier

1-player pre-latched
To recognise the potential for 1-player pre-latching prior to contact, but this player must observe all of the requirements for a first arriving player, particularly the need to stay on their feet. If the “latched” player is in front of the ball carrier or goes to ground then he will be penalised for obstruction (sealing off)

Primary intention
To be more consistent in the management of the 1-person pre-latched player.
Frank’s comment
This is obviously connected to the previous law about pre-latching, i.e. this limits the rule to only one player. This is therefore another attempt to keep players on their feet at the breakdown and to give defenders a fair opportunity to compete

Cleanout and the safety of the jackler
To introduce a sanction for clean outs which target or drop weight onto the lower limbs.
Primary intention
To reduce injury risk to the player being cleaned out.
Frank’s comment
This is another increased safety measure this time for the jackler. Supporting attacking players may still clear out the jackler as at present but they will be penalised for landing on or targeting the jackler’s legs