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It's only been a matter of weeks since I was ending my season by refereeing England's victory over the Barbarians in June.

And now, a month and a half later, it's straight back into it with preparation for the World Cup in Japan. Not that I ever stopped training - I've been doing work at the Vale twice a week in a supervised session with the WRU strength and conditioning fitness guy who looks after the training loads and programmes of all the professional referees in Wales.

As well as that, I've also been down my local gym, the Evolution Gym in Crosshands, about three or four times a week as well.

The season hasn't really ended training-wise, but refereeing-wise, we're back into it.

Last week I was out in Japan for a referee's training camp. As well as the on-the-field stuff, it was also a chance for some team-bonding and a look at the off-the-field stuff too.

It's a totally different culture in Japan and it's important to understand that things which are acceptable here could offend over there. For example, if you're going to a public swimming pool or out and about in public, then you need to cover up your tattoos.

Just little things like that which are important to know. The last thing you want to do is show a lack of respect. The Japanese will be wonderful, welcoming hosts for sure but it's worth you knowing a bit about their culture - especially from a respect point of view - before you travel out there for the Rugby World Cup.

As well as the cultural side of things, the camp covered the technical aspects of the game too.

Our priorities as referees haven't really changed from the Six Nations or even throughout the season, really. They're still the same as before.

Broadly speaking, referees are still looking at five key areas. The contact area, scrums, lineout/maul, space and foul play.

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Nothing has changed in terms of those. Occasionally you get little trends from previous campaigns that need addressing, such as scrum-halves extending the rucks and using their hands to move the ball before box-kicking.

As officials, we discuss these trends in the game and how we can deal with them. It's not law changes as such, just focusing on little things that arise.

But that wasn't the case this time around in terms of trends. There were no real issues to arise in the Six Nations that needed urgent addressing beyond the usual work we do as referees.

However, there is one small change to the laws regarding the scrum set-up and that is something we covered out in Japan.

They've done research regarding the amount of pressure coming onto the hookers in particular and have, quite rightly so, decided that there is a need to reduce the 'axial' or rotational load on the front-rows during the engagement - so they have made the change.

Hookers such as Wales' Ken Owens, Ireland's Rory Best and England's Jamie George amongst others have been consulted on this. They're the people who have said that there is too much pressure coming onto their head and neck in the scrum and rightly so. No one else is packing down in that position but them.

(Image: Darren Griffiths/Huw Evans Agency)

With most law changes in rugby, it has to go through various stages and trials. But if it's a safety concern, it can be implemented immediately - which is what has happened here.

As for the change itself, which will come into force during the Rugby Championship this weekend, it's one that the public likely won't notice too much. The only difference is that you don't want any of the front-rows' heads touching the oppositions' shoulders and putting pressure on them before you call the set.

For players, it's just getting used to there being a little bit more of a gap when the referee calls a bind and before the set. We will basically need to see a coming together of action of the front rows which has not always been the case previously.

For the referee, it's just making sure that the second-rows don't put pressure on before you call the bind set-up. They will need to come up off the floor and bound in on the crouch call rather than the bind call and maintain that little gap for the front-rows. After they do come together, we need to make sure the scrum is stable before the ball is put in. This will be key for a good scrum contest.

It's a little change for the players and it's up to the referees to deal with that if any issues arise. Referees adapt easily to little changes to the laws - it's not a big concern.

As with any front-row offence during the set-up of a scrum, such as a early push, the first time will result in a free-kick. Do it again and it's a penalty.

A third infringement will be a penalty and a warning. And then, if it happens again, it will be a yellow card if the individual is responsible for the offences.

All of this will be implemented in the Rugby Championship and the warm-ups so there will be no surprises at the World Cup.

That's the only change we really need to address as referees ahead of the World Cup.

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Of course, I'm not sure that new law will be on the forefront of anybody's minds at my first refereeing appointment of the new season.

I'll be getting my season started by taking charge of Paul James' testimonial at the end of the month.

Paul had asked me a while back, but I had to say no as I was meant to be flying to Fiji for the Pacific Nations Cup - but I've managed to push my flights back a day now. So it is a pleasure and honour to be part of this wonderful occasion for him.

It's always been a pleasure to referee Paul, who has been a great servant to the game. And there are plenty of characters playing that day too, of course.

As well as a great event, it also gives me the chance for a bit of a run-out before my World Cup preparation starts in earnest.

The day after Paul's match, I fly out to Fiji to referee Samoa v USA and Tonga v Canada out there. After that, I'm off to France to referee France v Scotland in Nice before running touch in the return fixture in Edinburgh.

I've got a couple of weeks off then before flying out to Japan but I'll likely referee a Welsh Premiership game before I fly out just to keep myself sharp. Just like the players, it's always good to get as many games under your belt.

It doesn't feel that long since the last season ended, but the new one is certainly up and running for the officials now.

I intend to enjoy every minute of it. Who knows, it may well be my last. But there will be plenty of time to make that decision during the season.