Organisers of the Rugby World Cup, taking place between September and October 2015 in England, have added an innovation to help novice fans learn the complex rules of the game. During the matches, fans will have access to simplified, in-game commentary with detailed explanations of the rules related to what is currently happening in each match.

This was revealed when tournament organisers unveiled some of their plans for Britain's greatest global sporting event since the London 2012 Olympic Games. A report in the Daily Telegraph on April 29th had proposed some of the terms and rules that will be in the “Idiot’s guide to rugby union”. But now more details have been given about the organiser's mode of enlightening new fans about rugby.
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A while ago during my search for prizes and items for auctions for the upcoming 10th anniversary of RugbyRefs.com I managed to make contact with former Test Match Referee, now iRB Referee Selector & Head of SANZAR Referees Lyndon Bray. (Pictured Left).

I wasn't very sure what I could ask/beg for from Lyndon, considering that the individual unions are in charge of their referees' kit, so I asked if he would mind answering a few questions. Lyndon replied within minutes congratulating us on the significant milestone and agreeing to answer some questions.

So then the hunt was on, I posted a thread and allowed the members to choose the top questions by way of liking the posts they thought were worthwhile. After just over a week I collated all the questions, and sent them on to Lyndon for answer.

Considering Lyndon's place on the iRB I also thought it was a great opportunity to clear up a couple of areas of law that we believed needed more clarity and Lyndon was again happy to give his opinion.

So, Without further ado, here are the questions that our members put to Lyndon, and of course, his answers:




Question 1:
We have seen in this year's edition of Super Rugby (especially in the latter half of the season), a tendency for referees to rule that the ball is "out" of a ruck when the halfback has a hand ...

From SAReferees.com

Following the confusion about the use of substitutes/replacements in the Pretoria Test when South Africa played Australia, the IRB has clarified the relevant law and issued a protocol for those in charge of the coming and going of players during a match.

The problem in Pretoria revolved around the number of substitutes/replacements of front row players that resulted in the Australians' playing ...

When the Scarlets met the Ospreys last week there was a try which was scored by George North that had a few debates in the supporters & referee forums.



As the ball is put ...