Rugby Union: 'Shot clock' may be introduced to help speed up game

A'shot clock' timer on scrums, line-outs and kicks at goal could be used to speed up the game.

Key stakeholders met last week to discuss ways to improve the flow of international rugby.

The in-stadium fan experience can be improved by broadcasting interactions between the referee and TV match official.

Over the next few weeks, World Rugby will consider the proposals.

While this month's men's autumn series has produced some compelling matches, there is still a lot of people who don't like the way the game is played.

• RFU to conduct review into disappointing autumn series

The game's authorities will address the constant arrival on the pitch.

A shot clock, displayed on the big screens, would encourage teams to restart more quickly from set pieces, while kickers would be required to kick for goal within the allotted time.

Kickers frequently exceed the 60 seconds for a penalty and 90 seconds for a conversion limits, which are rarely enforced.

The clock would lighten the load on referees.

There is a clock for kicks at goal.

World Rugby are looking into a way of reducing the amount of time spent on TMO referrals in order to make the system quicker and simpler.

There is a will to better engage the supporters in attendance by broadcasting the interactions between officials over the stadium loudspeaker, as well as explaining on the big screen why an incident is being reviewed.

With a view to making changes in the short term without changing law, World Rugby will consider the ideas before developing concrete proposals.

After last week's meeting, which included a host of administrators, head coaches and officials from the game's leading nations, World Rugby boss Sir Bill Beaumont said the conference was the first step towards a reimagination of our sport.