Ross Byrne, the fly-half for Gloucester, has suggested that international coaches may consider converting second-row players into wings for the upcoming 2027 Rugby World Cup. This potential strategy stems from the recent crackdown on escort defenders, which has led to significant changes in rugby tactics.
Last October, World Rugby mandated that referees closely monitor and penalize defensive teams obstructing opponents during high contestable kicks. Byrne believes this directive has fundamentally altered how the game is played at the elite level. He described the situation as a “backward step” and a “negative” development that could reshape the sport in the long term.
Changing Tactics in Rugby
“Unfortunately, I think it’s changed how everybody plays,” Byrne stated. He noted that the statistics indicate that the kicking team is now more likely to regain possession of the ball. “If those are the stats, which the top teams generally tend to follow, why would you not kick the ball?”
For coaches preparing for the World Cup, Byrne suggested a tactical shift: “If I was a head coach of a country right now and the World Cup’s in two years, you’re thinking, ‘OK, is there anyone who’s 19, 20, a second-row or back-row who’s a really good athlete? Can we make him into a winger in two years? Go chase some kicks?’” This suggests a trend towards prioritizing athleticism over traditional skill sets.
Byrne further criticized the current refereeing of rucks, claiming it makes kicking even more advantageous, leading to a potentially one-dimensional approach regarding player sizes. He pointed out that recent changes to rules surrounding ball carriers have complicated ball retention. “The way the ball carrier can no longer roll or move at the ruck has made it harder to hold on to the ball,” he explained. “That’s even more reason to kick.”
Concerns Over Player Diversity
Byrne expressed concern that the new rules may diminish the diversity of player skills on the field. “Currently, you’ve got some players who are unbelievably good footballers—kickers, passers, who read the game,” he remarked. “Whereas now, we may just need a couple of kickers and a load of good athletes to chase the ball. Do we need those small, silky backs any more? I don’t think so. Why would we?”
In addition to tactical concerns, the 30-year-old also voiced frustration over the fragmented nature of the club season due to international windows. “It does annoy me that we have two massive international blocks,” he said, contrasting rugby’s schedule with that of other sports. “You don’t see the Premier League stopping for four weeks in November, and it certainly doesn’t stop for six weeks during the Six Nations.”
On the pitch, Gloucester has recently turned its fortunes around, securing two consecutive victories after a challenging start to the season, which included five losses. Their upcoming match against Munster is particularly significant for Byrne, who spent a decade at Leinster before joining Gloucester in the summer. “I can’t wait,” he said. “The atmosphere will be next-level. It’ll be a tough game; it’ll mean a lot to Munster, but for us to go there will be an unbelievable challenge. I think it’ll show us where we are as a group.”
