World Rugby Ceo Rules Out Ban On 7-1 Bench Split

World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin has firmly backed the controversial 7-1 split between forwards and backs on the bench, stating there is no scientific evidence to suggest the tactic leads to an increase in player injuries.

This statement comes in the wake of debates surrounding the innovative strategy first used by South African coach Rassie Erasmus during the 2023 World Cup warm-up match against the All Blacks at Twickenham. The Springboks 35-7 victory sparked attention, with Erasmus then opting for the tactic in critical games, including their pool-stage loss to Ireland and the nail-biting World Cup final against New Zealand, which the Boks narrowly won 12-11.

While the tactic has been praised for its boldness and strategic advantage, it has also sparked a wave of criticism. Detractors argue that the introduction of a fresh pack of forwards during critical stages of the match goes against the spirit of the game, potentially putting players at greater risk. Some critics voiced concerns about its impact on player safety, questioning whether the tactic places additional physical strain on the players coming on from the bench.

The controversy extended beyond the World Cup, spilling over into the 2024 Six Nations . When French coach Fabien Galthie implemented the 7-1 split with success, it sparked further debates. Scotland's Gregor Townsend expressed disapproval, saying, 'The bench was not set up to suddenly have a new forward pack coming on,' implying that it disrupts the natural flow and fairness of the game.

Brett Robinson, the newly-elected chairman of World Rugby, acknowledged that the tactic 'raises questions' about the integrity of the sport. However, Gilpin remained resolute in his defence of the strategy. In an interview with The Guardian , he explained that the governing body had examined the tactic thoroughly from both scientific and medical perspectives, and the results showed no increased risk of injury.