Super Rygbi Cymru has today announced a new law that will be in operation in the league for the 2026-27 season. Super Rygbi Cymru is adopting the 20-minute red card for the upcoming season.
20-minute red card
- Used for dangerous or technical foul play where a red card is warranted, but the act is not considered an act of thuggery
- The offending player takes no further part in the match
- The team play with 14 players for 20 minutes
- After 20 minutes, the team may bring on a replacement player
- All cases remain subject to the disciplinary process
Examples of incidents
- Dangerous high tackle
- Technical head contact
- Dangerous tackle with a high degree of danger
Permanent red card
- Used for deliberate acts of violence or thuggery
- The offending player takes no further part in the match
- The team remains with 14 players for the rest of the match
- All cases remain subject to the disciplinary process
Examples of incidents
- Punching
- Striking
- Stamping
- Contact with the eye or eye area
How it looks on field
The referee signals a 20-minute red card by crossing their ars in front of their chest and holding out the red card clearly above their head
Why the change?
Our commitment is to ensure that Super Rygbi Cymru continues to evolve and increasingly reflects the professional game
Consistent approach at all fixtures
The referee, in consultation with the assistant referees and, where appropriate, the TMO, will make the final decision at the time of the incident.
At every SRC fixture, the sanction will be determined as either:
- Yellow car
- 20-minute red card
- Permanent red card
This provides the same decision-making process across all fixtures, whether or not a TMO is appointed.
