Rugby Championship rule changes to soften sanctions for red cards, speed game up

FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - Rugby Championship - South Africa v Argentina - Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa - July 29, 2023 General view inside the stadium before the match REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko/File photo

(Reuters) - The upcoming edition of the Rugby Championship will feature several law variations aimed at speeding the game up and offering softer punishments for certain red card offences, governing body SANZAAR said in a statement.

The southern hemisphere championship starts on Saturday when Australia host world champions South Africa in Brisbane, before New Zealand welcome Argentina to Wellington.