what is the 50 22 rule

The 50:22 rule is a rugby law trial that was introduced in 2021 by World Rugby as part of five welfare-based law trials. The rule is aimed at reducing the number of scrums, rewarding good defense, encouraging counter-attack, and increasing the rate of ball in play. The rule works as follows: if an attacking team kicks the ball from anywhere in their own half and it bounces inside the oppositions 22 before then bouncing into touch, the kicking team gets the throw at the resultant lineout. The idea behind the rule is to create more space on the pitch as players drop back to field tactical kicks, and to encourage the defensive team to put more players in the backfield, thereby creating more attacking space and reducing defensive line speed. The rule has been effective in achieving these goals, but some have expressed concerns that it could lead to a reduction in attacking play and moments of brilliance on counter-attack.