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If referees often drive you to distraction at rugby matches then brace yourself....there could be two of them before long!

Under radical proposals to implement a series of law changes, the sport's governing body, World Rugby are planning to trial rule changes in New Zealand's national provincial championship, with two referees one of them, according to reports.

The second on-field official is likely to focus on a new offside line, which will be one metre behind the hindmost foot of the breakdown.

The New Zealand Rugby Union were hoping to reveal these and other law changes early next year, but it is common knowledge in New Zealand that the unions have been canvassing opinions at the provincial clubs, say stuff.co.nz.

In a bold move, some of the most drastic changes will come at the breakdown, where 'the gate' - which prevents players entering rucks at the side - is being done away with. Laws affecting the tackler will also change.

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What's the breakdown? As we know it, the breakdown is when one player from either side competes over the ball after a player has been tackled.

With the word 'ruck' being taken out of the game, under the new laws, a breakdown will now be formed when just one player from the attacking side is over the ball.

As it is now, once a breakdown is formed, the defending side won't be allowed to put their hands on the ball, but the way they enter the tackle area will also change.

The proposed rule changes in brief

Two on-field referees. Players will no longer need to enter 'through the gate.' Defenders can enter from any angle, provided they come from an onside position. Tackler can no longer go straight for the ball from any angle. Offside line to be one metre behind the back foot.

'The gate' will be no more and, providing they come from an onside position, defenders will be able to come in from any angle meaning the 'in from the side call' will also be absent from the game.

The tackler will also be restricted in what he can do after completing the tackle. As it stands, the tackler is allowed to attack the ball from any angle provided a ruck has not been formed, however they will now have to retreat to the one-metre offside line before attacking the breakdown.

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It is hoped that the changes will make things less confusing for referees, fans and players at the breakdown.

Law makers hope that defences will be more inclined to pile numbers into the breakdown and counter-ruck as opposed to just one or two poachers being enough.