Think we might just have enough rugby in the professional era, what with league and union? Reckon that TV just can't cram any more games into its schedule for the two codes?
You might just have to think again. From Australia comes news that a new version of the game is being trialled, which involves 13 players a side. It is an amalgam of league and union and is being called the Hybrid Code.
Two of the Australians who are putting their names to it are ex-Wallabies coach Bob Dwyer and out-half Mark Ella.
But before collective apoplexy grips all those at the IRB headquarters in Dublin, let me explain. No-one is suggesting either union or league should be dumped. Not even the promoters of the Hybrid Code. What they seek to do is produce a new version of rugby with elements of both codes included.
Dwyer says: "We are looking at a new set of laws/rules for playing rugby, a combination of league and union.
"Essentially, you have the security of the rugby league tackle law when in your own half, and the opportunity offered by the rugby union tackle law when in possession in the other half.
"We have played a couple of trial games, using schoolboys and it was amazing how quickly the boys, both league and union schools, adjusted to the laws.
"We now have a more serious game planned, between two top-level schools, one league and one union."
Of course, the old traditionalists, the crusty colonels and such like, will splutter into their port and decry the whole thing. Maybe they're right. But they might be wrong. Perhaps there is some mileage in a new model.
The group behind it believe now is the ideal time for the two codes to co-operate as one and challenge their competitors, AFL and soccer, which are encroaching into the rugby league and union territory, to regain market share in a win- win scenario for both codes.
Well, that remains to be seen.
But there is no doubt that the Australian Rugby Union are worried at the increasing popularity of AFL and soccer in their country. Rugby is starting to lag behind in the winter popularity stakes.
The publicity blurb adds: "The Hybrid Code is a rugby game with a mixture of rules designed to eliminate the predictability of sixth tackle options in league and introduce a genuine contest for the ball, while eliminating defensive kicking and continual stoppages associated with union."
It features:
- Thirteen-man game.
- On average it takes around 60 seconds for a set of six tackles in rugby league. In place of six tackle sets and unlimited phases, a set time in possession is used where the attacking side has 60 seconds with the ball. Teams in possession are required to score or kick during this time, otherwise a turnover in possession will occur. The ruck and maul will also be subject to the clock.
- Rugby league-style "play the ball" while the attacking team is in their defensive (own) half of the field.
- Union-style "ruck and maul" while the attacking team is in their attacking (opposing) half of the field.
- Six-man scrums governed by the current rugby union laws.
The organisers claim the Hybrid Code is a free-flowing, attacking style of a game which emphasises the pure rugby skills contained in both codes and eliminates the negatives associated with both.
The rules have been developed in conjunction with league and union experts who have ensured they are simple and easy to adapt for players of both codes.
But the organisers emphasise they are not looking to get rid of either union or league.
A bit of harmless fun, with a possible Kangaroos v Wallabies game on Australia Day?
Maybe. But perhaps from little acorns grow mighty oaks.
Whether that would be good for rugby, either union or league, is another matter.
- Peter Bills
Irish Independent
