Rugby Championship and Autumn Nations Series, the laws, had a positive impact on the style, flow and entertainment value of the sport, decreasing stoppages, increasing ball in play, and promoting quick ball, while maintaining a contest," World Rugby said.

Four new laws aimed at making rugby union faster and more entertaining will be tested around the world from the start of next year. Kickers will only be allowed to take 60 seconds over a conversion, in line with the one-minute 'shot clock' that already ...

Four law trials aimed at speeding up rugby, reducing time-wasting and "enhancing the fan experience" will be introduced on a global trial across all competitions that start from the start of next year.

The most powerful position in rugby will be filled in the election for the next chairman of the sport’s global governing body in Dublin on Thursday.

Australia's Brett Robinson became the first chairman of World Rugby from the southern hemisphere after edging French rival Abdelatif Benazzi in a vote on Thursday. Robinson obtained 27 votes with former French international Benazzi receiving 25 in the second round of World Rugby Council voting.

Former Wallabies forward Brett Robinson has been elected as the chairman of World Rugby, the first non-European to take the reins of the sport.