Rugby evolves into a 23-man game as bench strength becomes crucial for victory

irishexaminer.com February 5, 2025, 01:01 PM UTC

Rugby has transformed into a 23-man game, where the strength of the bench can determine the outcome. Coaches now have the option to replace over 75% of their starting pack, reflecting the increased physical demands on players. In the past, teams were limited to six replacements, often with a mix of backs and forwards. Players on the bench had less pressure and responsibility, allowing for a more relaxed atmosphere during preparations. Recent matches highlight the importance of bench quality. Last Saturday, Simon Easterby utilized five experienced players, demonstrating how a strong bench can significantly impact game results.


With a significance score of 1.6, this news ranks in the top 70% of today's 16519 analyzed articles.

Get summaries of news with significance over 5.5 (usually ~10 stories per week). Read by 8000 minimalists.