World Rugby has issued a law application guideline for the breakdown in a bid to make the game safer for players.

The sport’s governing body hopes to reduce injuries in this area of the game and ensure a “fair contest” at all times.

The new rules limit the players who can compete for the ball at the ruck and it will come into play for all competitions on July 1st, 2020.

Former Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt was part of a specialist breakdown working group made up of international coaches, players, medical, laws and research experts.

With a focus on player welfare and game attractiveness, the new recommendations are as follows:

• Tackler (Law 14): 14.5 – must a) Immediately release the ball and the ball-carrier after both players go to ground and b) Immediately move away from the tackled player and from the ball or get up.
• Ball Carrier (Law 14): 14.2 – Being brought to ground means that the ball-carrier is lying, sitting or has at least one knee on the ground or on another player who is on the ground. 14.5 – Tacklers must: d) Allow the tackled player to release or play the ball.
• First arriving player (Law 15): 15.11 – Once a ruck has formed, no player may handle the ball unless they were able to get their hands on the ball before the ruck formed and stay on their feet. 15.12 – Players must endeavour to remain on their feet throughout the ruck.
• Other arriving players (Law 15): 5 – An arriving player must be on their feet and join from behind their offside line. 6 – A player may join alongside but not in front of the hindmost player. 10 – Possession may be won either by rucking or by pushing the opposing team off the ball.

World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont said: "The breakdown is the most dynamic facet of the game and it is increasingly difficult to referee, but, just as importantly, it is responsible for nine per cent of match injuries.

"Therefore it was important that we looked to identify ways to reduce the risk of injury, while promoting a fair contest for the ball.

"The group looked at a range of potential solutions, including potential law trials, but they unanimously agreed that the best practical and evidenced approach is to reinforce existing law, rather than law change.

"In particular, there will be focus on the ball carrier playing or placing the ball immediately, the tackler releasing immediately, rewarding the player who wins the race to the contest, penalising side entry and players who dive, not drive, into rucks."

World Rugby will be educating its international referee panel on the change in emphasis and collaborating with international teams and unions to ensure alignment and understanding.

The breakdown working group was chaired by John Jeffrey and comprised the following:

• Coaches: Joe Schmidt, Richie Gray, Russell Earnshaw and Ian Foster
• Referees: Wayne Barnes and Jaco Peyper
• Players: Victor Vito and Josh Beaumont
• Medical and Research: Dr Éanna Falvey and Ross Tucker
• World Rugby staff: Mark Harrington and Rhys Jones