Summer tour unaffected by ELVs

Ireland's summer tour of the southern hemisphere will be played under the existing laws, it was confirmed this morning.

Australia, New Zealand and South Africa may adopt the controversial new experimental law variations (ELVs) ahead of the August 1st deadline but not in time for Ireland's three-match series down under.

Ireland face the All Blacks on June 7th before meeting Australia the following Saturday.

The IRB said yesterday that 13 of the 23 ELVs, many of which are being trialled in this year's Super 14 competition, would be adopted for a 12-month global trial.
   
The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) and Australia Rugby Union (ARU) said today they would discuss the introduction of the new laws for this year's Tri-nations which begins on July 5th.

Not everyone in the game has been so sure of the need for change, however, particularly in the northern hemisphere where there is a fear that the changes could reduce the importance of the set-pieces.

Changes to be trialled worldwide include:

* Players can defend a maul by pulling it down.

* Introduction of an offside line five metres behind the hindmost feet of the scrum.

* No restriction on the number of players who can participate in the lineout from either side (minimum of two).

* The receiver in a lineout must stand two metres back from the lineout.

Further ELVs to be trialled in an elite northern hemisphere competition include:

* For all offences other than offside, not entering through the gate, and Law 10 - Foul Play, the sanction is a free kick.

* If the ball is unplayable at the breakdown, the side that did not take the ball into contact will receive a free kick.

* If a maul becomes unplayable, the team not in possession at the start of the maul receives a free kick.