Now when play is stopped because the ball or a player in possession of the ball has entered touch in general play, other than a restart (kick-off, goal-line drop-out, 20-metre drop-out or 20-metre optional restart) or a 40/20, play will restart with a play-the-ball by the non-offending team.

The play-the-ball will be 20 metres from the touchline but no closer than 10 metres from a goal line.

There is also new rules over breaking early from scrums.

Now a full penalty, rater than a deferential, will be awarded if any player leaves the scrum before the referee's call of break.

The team receiving the penalty will have the option of re-packing the scrum. If a player is found to have broken early again it is a sin bin offence.

Successful field goal attempts from beyond 40 metres will also be worth two points.

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