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RFL Board Endorses Major Updates for 2026 Super League Season
The Rugby Football League (RFL) Board has sanctioned significant modifications to the Super League regulations ahead of the 2026 campaign, focusing primarily on refining the video referee protocol during try-scoring situations.
Streamlining the Video Referee Review Process
Previously, whenever a try was scored, the on-field referee would halt play to consult the video referee, regardless of whether the initial call was a ‘try’ or ‘no try’. This approach will be revised to enhance game flow and reduce unnecessary stoppages.
For instances where the on-field official rules ‘no try’, the existing procedure from the 2025 season remains unchanged: the game clock is paused while the video referee reviews the decision.
Automatic Try Award and Continuous Play
The most notable adjustment applies when the referee’s immediate judgment is that a try has been scored. In these cases, the try will be awarded on the spot, allowing the match to continue without interruption to the game clock.
The video referee will then review the try in the background. The conversion attempt cannot proceed until the video referee confirms the on-field decision stands.
If the video referee cannot complete their assessment within 80 seconds or before the kicker initiates the conversion, the referee will call ‘time off’ to pause the clock.
Should the video referee determine the try was incorrectly awarded, the referee will overturn the decision and reset the game clock to the moment the try was initially signaled.
Introducing the Goal Kick Shot Clock
Another key innovation is the implementation of a 60-second shot clock for all penalty and conversion kicks. This countdown begins once the video referee confirms the try.
The kicker must complete the kick before the timer expires. If the kicking process is disrupted-for example, if the ball slips off the tee-the shot clock will be paused and will not resume, allowing the kick to proceed without penalty.
Official Approval and Implementation
These rule changes, proposed by the RFL Laws Committee, received formal approval from the RFL Board last week and will be enforced starting with the 2026 Super League season.
Additional Highlights for the 2026 Season
- Complete fixture schedule for Super League 2026 announced
- Newly promoted York will host reigning champions Hull KR on opening night
- Magic Weekend set to take place at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium
- Subscribe to Sky Sports or stream without contract via NOW
Watch the 2026 Betfred Super League Live
Fans can catch every match of the 2026 Betfred Super League season-including Magic Weekend, the play-offs, and the Grand Final-live on Sky Sports. Streaming is also available through NOW.
For optimal video playback, please use the Chrome browser.
