BKT URC Introduces 20-Minute Red Card For 2025/26 Season
BKT URC Introduces 20-Minute Red Card For 2025/26 Season
The BKT United Rugby Championship will trial the 20-minute red card in 2025/26 to enhance player safety and improve officiating accuracy.
The BKT United Rugby Championship will implement World Rugby’s trial of the 20-minute red card in the 2025/26 season, aiming to enhance player safety and fairness on the field.
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Under the new law, players committing serious but not deliberate foul play will be temporarily removed for 20 minutes. Teams can bring on a replacement after that period, preventing long-term disadvantage for mistakes that are not intentional. Two yellow cards to the same player in a match will also result in a 20-minute red card. Permanent red cards remain in place for highly dangerous or deliberate acts, such as direct shoulder charges to the head, violent conduct, or abusive behavior.
Matches will feature four officials, including a Television Match Official (TMO) to review incidents. Referees can consult the TMO to upgrade a yellow card to a 20-minute red card within eight minutes of play. Only the referee can issue a permanent red card.
The trial is designed to balance player welfare with competitive integrity, ensuring teams are not unfairly penalized while keeping dangerous play in check. Fans can expect more accurate decisions, tighter enforcement of head-contact fouls, and fast-paced, competitive matches throughout the season.
The BKT URC becomes one of the first leagues globally to test the 20-minute red card, underlining its commitment to innovation and player protection.
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