O’Neill wants the rules changed

John O’Neill, CEO of the Australian Rugby Union, says rugby is too complicated and has called for the introduction of new rules to improve the game’s “entertainment factor”.

He believes that the experimental ‘Stellenbosch laws’ – so called because of their trial run in Stellenbosch University’s Koshuis rugby competition – be introduced as early as next year’s Super14.

“We can’t shy away from the fact that we are in the entertainment business in the most competitive sports market in the world, that is why I am so strongly in favour of the Stellenbosch laws,” said O’Neill.

“It’s a no-brainer. We have to demystify this game. They will improve the entertainment factor.”

The Stellenbosch laws are aimed at:
- Simplifying the policing of the breakdown and the lineout.
- Giving backlines more room to attack from scrums.
- Awarding more short-arm penalties.
- Stopping the ball being passed back into the 22m area.
- Reducing stoppages.
- Reducing the influence of referees.

They will be used for the first time on the international stage during the Mazda Australian Rugby Championship which starts in mid-August.

O’Neill is especially keen to see the role of the referee reduced.

“Any team sport where the referee has a major role, you have a problem because people aren’t there to see the referee.

“The great thing about football (soccer) is there aren’t too many rules.

“Rugby league is a very simple game. The referee doesn’t have much to do except look after high shots and stuff. And I don’t think there are too many rules in AFL.

“The ARU is unambiguously in favour of the introduction of the laws. We have seen them in practice and they have enhanced the game, so I can’t imagine where the objection would come from,” said O’Neill.