A red card in rugby union is a disciplinary measure used by the referee to permanently remove a player from the match for serious foul play or misconduct. When a player is shown a red card, they must leave the field of play immediately and cannot be replaced by another player, meaning their team must continue the match with one fewer player. Infractions that can lead to a red card include dangerous tackles, violent conduct, or two Yellow Cards in a match.
20 Minute Red Card
A trial concept of a 20 minute red card has been implemented. The changes are:
- An infringement is given a Yellow Card and is under review
- During the 10 minute period, the Foul Play Review Officer can analyse footage of the incident and decide if it should be upgraded.
- If it is upgraded, the player is off for 20 minutes.
- After the 20 minute period, the team may replace that player with another subsitute.