ELVs to be trialled worldwide

Assistant Referees
Assistant Referees can assist referees in any manner required when appointed by a match organiser

Posts and flags around the field
The corner posts are no longer considered to be in touch in-goal except when a ball is grounded against the post

Lineout and throw
- If a team puts the ball back into their own 22 and the ball is subsequently kicked directly into touch there is no gain of ground
- A quick throw may be thrown in straight or towards the throwing team's own goal line
- There is no restriction on the number of players who can participate in the lineout from either side (minimum of two)
- The receiver in a lineout must stand 2 metres back from the lineout
- The player who is in opposition to the player throwing in the ball may stand in the area between the 5 metre line and touch line but must be 2 metres away from the lineout
- Lineout players may pre-grip a jumper before the ball is thrown in
- The lifting of lineout jumpers is permitted

Maul
- Players are able to defend a maul by pulling it down
- Remove reference in Law to heads and shoulders not to be lower than hips

Scrum
- Introduction of an offside line five metres behind the hindmost feet of the scrum
- Scrum half offside lines (must be in close proximity to the scrum as present Law or must retreat five metres)

ELVs to be trialled in an elite northern-hemisphere competition

Sanctions
- For all offences other than offside, not entering through the gate, and Law 10 - Foul Play, the sanction is a Free Kick

Tackle and ruck
- If the ball is unplayable at the breakdown, the side that did not take the ball into contact will receive a Free Kick

Maul
- If a maul becomes unplayable, the team not in possession at the start of the maul receives a Free Kick

ELVs referred back to LPG

Lineout and throw
- Incorrect throw (not straight) the sanction is a Free Kick

Tackle and ruck
- Offside line occurs immediately at the tackle
- Players who are on their feet can play the ball with their hands
- There are two Penalty Kicks warded at the tackle and ruck - offside and foul play
- Reference to unfair play added to Law 15 (tackle: ball carrier brought to ground)

Offside
- Players are only put onside after a tackle when they retreat past the tackle or the ball has moved five metres away from the tackle

Kick-off and restart kicks
- Incorrect kick-offs and restart kicks result in a free-kick for the opposition