Experimental Law Variations – Have your say!

The Rugby Football Union is giving everyone involved in English rugby the chance to have their say on the International Rugby Board’s proposal to introduce eight new Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) throughout the game next season.

The RFU believes that some of the ELVs could fundamentally change the nature of the game as it is currently known and that all those potentially affected by their introduction should be consulted.

The RFU has therefore launched a special consultation website www.rfusurvey.co.uk to enable all parts of the game to express their views on the ELVs and whether they should be trialled in the manner proposed.

The survey is open to players, coaches, referees and supporters and gives people chance to compare and vote on the existing law and its associated ELV before the Union formally responds to the IRB.

Chief Executive Francis Baron said: "We have a number of concerns about the ELVs and the proposed process that is being followed regarding their introduction."

“As these Experimental Law Variations could potentially result in major changes to the Laws of the Game, the RFU believes it is important to consult those involved in the game at every level and give them an opportunity to express their views."

"In order to discover what participants in rugby union in England actually feel and to assist us in formulating the RFU’s response to the proposed changes, the Union has compiled an online questionnaire."

“I would urge everyone with an interest in the future of our game to spend ten minutes completing the questionnaire so we can paint as accurate a picture as possible of people's views in England when the matter comes up for debate at the IRB in May."