Exeter Chiefs’ Rob Baxter Slams World Rugby’s “Madness” in Law Change Recommendations
Exeter Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter has criticized World Rugby’s latest law change recommendations, labeling them as “madness”. Baxter believes that the constant tinkering with rugby laws is not only confusing for new spectators but also undermines the sport’s global growth ambitions.
World Rugby recently announced proposed measures to broaden the appeal of rugby, including reducing rolling maul restarts and fewer scrum resets. However, Baxter argues that rugby has an unhealthy obsession with tweaking laws, with 90% of changes simply being to redo things created by previous changes.
While Baxter understands the desire for rugby to be safe and appealing, he believes that the pursuit of a more attractive product risks eroding the game’s traditional pillars. He calls for a moratorium on changing laws and interpretations, advocating for simplicity to allow for a better product.
Baxter is not in favor of hosting optional trials, such as playing the ball after one maul stop rather than two, as encouraged by World Rugby. He believes that depowering the scrum and maul will create a less appealing game with less space for exciting plays.
Emphasizing the importance of keeping the maul powerful to create space on the field and allow for scoring opportunities, Baxter expresses frustration with the constant changes to rugby laws. He wishes for more stability in the game, highlighting the need for a more consistent approach to regulations.
