From the start of this season we will be playing under the new Experimental Law Variations - the ELVs

There will be implications for our style of play which will be covered during pre season preparation but in general I feel they will work in our favour far more than for other clubs

Below there is a

These ELVs will be the same ones played in Super 14 and Tri Nations so as you will have seen from last season the effect was a far faster and more open game but also a lot more kicking in general play.

This means that all backs will have to be able to kick

• Long and to remain in play without going into touch or over the try line and especially the dead ball line
• Cross field for chasers while finding grass and avoiding the ball running into touch
• Up and unders including the Scrum halves being able to box kick accurately 

In turn everyone but especially backs will have to work on their catching of the ball including

• coming forward to receive opposition high balls
• chasing high balls put up by ourselves
• taking high balls while retreating

Have a read of the pdf explaining the changes and a look at the video demonstrating them in action

After that if you have any queries about them put something in the New Laws thread I have started in the Forum - remember you must register first in order to post there

The IRB Guide to Experimental Law Variations