Match half-time increased to 12 minutes - 2011 Rugby World Cup update
The international governing body of the Rugby around the world, International Rugby Board (IRB), has confirmed that the half-time length during the upcoming 2011 Rugby World Cup (RWC) matches has been extended to 12 minutes. The announcement, although not
unexpected, is new for Southern Hemisphere teams who still have a 10 minute half-time during their matches.
The IRB’s 2011 RWC tournament manager, Kit McConnell, confirmed the extension of the half-time break from 10 to 12 minutes. He further added that the IRB changed the laws of the game related to the extension of the breaks up to 15 minutes.
Providing further details on the issue, McConnell commented that although this concept is new in the Southern Hemisphere, the teams in the Northern Hemisphere are already used to these changes. He further commented that most of the international matches
in the Northern Hemispheres follow a 10 – 12 minutes break rule.
McConnell further added that even the All Blacks in their recent tour of the Northern Hemisphere have experienced this practice and this is not new. He also mentioned that even the English Premiership games have a half-time breaking extending up to 15 minutes.
He specifically mentioned that Premiership sides are following this practice for the past few years.
McConnell has categorically denounced the reports in certain media section that IRB is considering 20 minutes half time break. He confirmed that the different teams’ opinion has been taken on board before reaching the final decision.
McConnell said, “When we went out and canvassed [the teams] prior to the decision there was a bit of variety of opinions and that’s understandable. There was no consistent view that was expressed by the teams in the build up to it. After we confirmed it
there was probably general support from the teams.”
Commenting on the issues that compelled the IRB to implement the 12 minutes break time, McConnell said, “The decision is to help out the spectators and alleviate the crush on toilets and food and beverages at halftime. Obviously there’s broadcast considerations
also in terms of halftime analysis and commercial breaks.”
Following the IRB’s announcement, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia Rugby (SANZAR) has announced that they will try the new 12-minute half-time format in their upcoming Tri Nations series. The Tri Nations tournament involves three major Southern Hemisphere
teams. SANZAR Chief Executive Officer, Greg Peters, has expressed hopes that the Tri Nations will help the Springboks, All Blacks and Wallabies players to adjust to the new format in the 2011 RWC.
Peters said, “During Super Rugby we have had 10 minute breaks and it therefore made sense for us to trial the new format during the Tri-Nations.”
Peters has confirmed that respective unions and team managements have welcomed the 12-minute half time break format. He said, “The idea has been well received and supported by our partner Unions whose respective teams will put the finishing touches to their
Rugby World Cup planning during this year's Tri-Nations.”
The Tri Nations will start on July 23rd with the new 12-minute break rule.
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