No Medical Grounds to Ban 7-1 Bench Splits, Says World Rugby
No Medical Grounds to Ban 7-1 Bench Splits Says World Rugby
Dublin – April 13, 2025>> Read more: Sports News
World Rugby has confirmed that there is no medical justification to ban the use of the controversial 7-1 bench split, following a thorough review into the substitution strategy that has sparked widespread debate in the sport.
The announcement comes after months of scrutiny, particularly following South Africa’s use of the tactic during the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where seven forwards and just one backline player were named on the bench. The move raised concerns around player safety, fatigue, and the increasing physical intensity of the game.
In a statement released on Friday, World Rugby said that its independent medical advisory group had found no evidence suggesting the 7-1 configuration increases injury risk.
“Following a detailed review of match data, medical incidents, and performance outcomes, there is currently no medical basis to prohibit specific bench compositions, including the 7-1 split,” the governing body stated.
The ruling effectively upholds the current laws of the game, which allow teams the freedom to select their replacement benches as they see fit, provided minimum safety criteria are met—particularly around front-row coverage.
Player welfare groups, coaches, and former players had weighed in on the debate, with some arguing the tactic could lead to mismatches and contribute to exhaustion or increased injury risk for backs facing fresh, heavyweight forwards. Others, however, defended the strategy as a legitimate part of rugby’s tactical evolution.
World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin emphasized the importance of basing decisions on data, not just opinion:
“We take all concerns seriously, especially when it comes to player safety. But our job is to ensure policies are guided by clear evidence, and currently, the evidence does not support banning the 7-1 bench split.”
Gilpin also confirmed that World Rugby will continue monitoring the impact of substitution patterns on player safety and game integrity, adding that ongoing research will help shape future policies as the sport evolves.
For now, teams are free to employ the 7-1 split at their discretion—a decision likely to be welcomed by coaches seeking a physical edge, and questioned by those advocating for stricter balance in team composition.
As rugby continues to navigate its balance between tradition, innovation, and player welfare, the debate over the bench split is far from over—but for now, the ruling body has spoken.
