World Rugby has announced a change in the law regarding replacements following George North’s try in Wales’ win against England last Saturday.

The change states that if the match has been paused to allow a player to leave the field for a head impact assessment (HIA) or blood bin, it cannot resume until the player has been replaced.

This comes after Wales wing North scored a decisive try in their 13-6 victory over England in the first half in Cardiff, when the visitors had just 13 men on the field. England’s Anthony Watson had been yellow-carded for a cynical infringement, but at the same time scrumhalf Willi Heinz had to leave the field for an HIA.

From the ensuing penalty, Dan Biggar quick-tapped before a replacement for Heinz could come on to the field and crosskicked. Moments later North went over for the decisive try.

With the new law, Wales would have had to wait for Heinz to be replaced before taking the quick-tap penalty.

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