SA Rugby CEO on law changes: It’s like World Rugby is punishing us

Are the Springboks being targeted? SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer claims World Rugby's law changes feel like punishment.

March 6, 2025

SA Rugby Magazine 1 minute read

Springboks featured image — Image for illustration purposes. Photo: Johan Orton/Caxton Local Media

SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer says it feels as if World Rugby targets the Springboks when making law changes.

Last year, the global governing body approved a series of law amendments, effective July 1.

Most notably, from a South African perspective, teams would no longer have the option to choose a scrum from a free kick.

In addition, not-straight throw-ins to lineouts that are not contested by the defending team would not result in a scrum to the defending team, with play allowed to continue.

These changes were seen an attempt to de-power the scrum, arguably the Springboks’ biggest weapon.

Also read: Boks to play 15 Tests, Baabaas in 2025

Yesterday, Oberholzer was asked if more law changes could be expected before the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, when the Boks target an unprecedented three-peat.

“There are no changes for this season,” he confirmed. “There are still some variations we are working through. I must say, it’s sometimes difficult sitting in the meetings,” Oberholzer added.

“It feels that when you become world champions, you get punished by World Rugby with certain law changes they’re suggesting.”

Oberholzer said there would probably be more changes after the world cup as World Rugby wants to make the game more ‘attractive’ to fans.

Read more: Ireland bruiser rubbishes law changes

The post Oberholzer: It’s like World Rugby is punishing us appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

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March 6, 2025

SA Rugby Magazine 1 minute read