Rugby is in a good place at the minute with the Six Nations, URC and Champions Cup all providing plenty of theatre, but one farcical aspect has taken away from some of that entertainment.
What became known as the 'Dupont Law' - a loophole exploited by French scrum-half Antoine Dupont - has been a strongly debated topic between pundits and fans alike, with most agreeing that it is an issue for the sport.
The issue notably reared its head during the Six Nations, prompting RTE pundit Bernard Jackman to succinctly explain the nature of the problem which had brought lulls into otherwise absorbing matches.
It's called the Dupont law because a year-and-a-half ago Antoine Dupont, the French captain, went to the referee before the match," Jackman said.
"He explained that on kick-tennis battles, they don't actually have to retreat, they don't have to be put onside, as long as they stay static. If the catcher of the ball runs five metres or throws a pass, then they're onside.
"It's something the lawmakers are going to have to change."
In practice, this loophole can ruin the spectacle of a game as it can halt the action on the pitch and allow players to kick the ball unchallenged.
‘It was smart by Dupont and everyone is copying it now, but it is an area that they (authorities) will have to change’ - @bernardjackman explains the ‘Dupont law’ and its impact on the game #AgainstTheHead pic.twitter.com/pG4OYkCZOM
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) February 5, 2024
However, it appears the issue could be a thing of the past with the sport's governing body World Rugby announcing amendments to its laws.
World Rugby announces rule changes to combat 'Dupont Law'
World Rugby has issued a statement confirming that the 'Dupont Law' is one of three laws set to be ameneded from July 1.
A statement from the organisation confirmed that Law 10.7 - which had been exploited - has been rewritten.
World Rugby has announced fan-focused law changes to increase the sport's entertainment factor and attract new audiences to grow the game 🙌 pic.twitter.com/RFvzkfMM0r
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) May 9, 2024
"In a rewrite of Law 10.7 relating to players being put onside from kicks in open play, it will no longer be possible for a player to be put onside when an opposition player catches the ball and runs five metres, or passes the ball," it read.
"It will no longer be possible for a player to be put onside when an opposition player catches the ball and runs five metres, or passes the ball
"Laws 10.1 and 10.4 will make clear that offside players must make an attempt to retreat, creating space for the opposition team to play. This should reduce the amount of kick tennis in the game."
It is not the only significant change set to come into effect, with 'crocodile rolls' - a technique used to clear-out opponents at the ruck - set to be deemed illegal when the rules come into effect.
That tackle technique has been a contentious issue with players - including Toulouse's Jack Wills - picking up serious knee injuries from it in the past.
Penalties will be awarded to teams in the event that their player is subjected to the technique at the breakdown.
Among law changes announced by World Rugby from 1 July, 2024
Banning the ‘crocodile roll’: The action of rolling/twisting/pulling of a player on their feet in the tackle area (the ‘crocodile roll’) will be outlawed, sanctioned by a penalty.
About time.pic.twitter.com/yg3wjymLdt— Progressive Rugby (@ProgressiveRug) May 9, 2024
The third rule change will ensure that teams who win free-kicks will no longer be able to opt for scrums.
Instead, free-kicks must either be tapped or kicked to encourage more open play.
Rule amendments are usually a contentious topic but one suspects these amendments will be well-received by rugby supporters far and wide.
