'TMO bunker' law a possibility for World Cup

World Rugby will trial a yellow-red card review system in this summer's Under-20s Championship and may adopt the law for the World Cup.

The 'TMO bunker' trial will focus on speeding up the game in relation to any incident where a red card is not obvious and a yellow card is issued.

Instead of the on-field officials and TMO discussing the incident and holding up the play, "dedicated foul play reviewers" will have 10 minutes to conclude that the card remains as yellow or is upgraded to red, in which case no replacement is allowed.

"Consideration will be given to furthering the trial in the Test arena ahead of Rugby World Cup 2023 in France if the trial is deemed successful and further adoption is supported by the elite rugby stakeholders, including importantly match officials, players, unions and competitions," World Rugby said in a statement.

The sport’s governing body also clarified that "clear and obvious red cards for foul play involving contact with the head" will result in a permanent red card with no possibility to replace the player.