The Uganda Rugby Championship kicked off with a thrilling Matchday 1, marking the first full implementation of World Rugby’s newly introduced laws.
Although these rules were launched midway through the 2024 rugby season on July 1, they were only put into full effect at the start of this season.
Their impact was immediately felt across the various playing grounds, sparking heated debates between fans and pundits alike.
Here’s a breakdown of the key rules and their influence during the games:
- Crocodile Roll Abolishment
The “crocodile roll” or “croc roll” was a technique where a player would laterally roll, twist, or pull an opponent on their feet in the tackle area to the ground.
While it was once a common sight, this action has now been outlawed to enhance player safety.
The main concern with the crocodile roll was its potential for injury, as some players targeted lower limbs or applied excessive weight to opponents.
This season, it’s clearly defined as a prohibited action. Any violation is now penalized, leaving players to adapt quickly to new strategies around the tackle area.
- Scrum Elimination After a Free Kick
Previously, a scrum could restart play after minor infringements like knock-ons or forward passes.
However, scrums often led to significant delays due to resets, consuming valuable game time.
With the new rule, scrums have been eliminated in such scenarios, instead favouring free kicks to maintain the flow of the game.
Matchday one showcased faster-paced action, though some fans lamented the loss of a classic rugby feature. The long-term effects on game strategy remain to be seen.
- Changes to the Offside Rule After a Kick
The revision to the offside rule after a kick addresses the issue of players loitering in offside positions during “kicks” battles.
Under the new rule, any player in an offside position must take immediate action to retreat or get back onside.
Clauses that previously allowed the catcher’s actions for example running 5 meters or passing the ball to put an offside player back onside have been removed.
This change aims to encourage fair play and reduce unnecessary stalemates during kick exchanges, but it has raised questions about interpretation and enforcement.
Fan reactions at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds
At the Kyadondo Rugby Grounds, defending champions Heathens delivered a dominant performance, defeating the Warriors 45–12.
However, the new rules took centre stage in post-match discussions.
Justus Muwanguzi, a Heathens fan, posed a thought-provoking question:
“What is the measure for the retreat on the kick? Should it be reasonable in the eyes of the referee, or is there a standard distance? Or is it simply measured by effort?”
He also queried whether a player could rejoin play after running backwards for three steps if the kicker subsequently overtakes them.
These questions reflect the ongoing challenge of interpreting and standardizing the application of the rules.
Samson Mubiru, another fan, predicted a surge in penalties due to the strict enforcement of the new rules.
“These rules are going to lead to lots of penalties,” he remarked, expressing concern about potential disruptions to the flow of the game.
What lies ahead?
While the new rules aim to enhance player safety, game speed, and fairness, their real impact will become clearer as the season progresses.
Matchday 2 promises more exciting action involving these changes as players and officials continue to adapt.
