Autumn series.

Referees and coaches involved in the November window have met ahead of the opening round of test matches this weekend, furthering ongoing commitment to open dialogue and alignment.

Following a review of recent matches, including those outside the window last weekend, match officials were reminded of their obligations in sanctioning illegal no arms tackles, high tackles and charging with the forearm or elbow, as the international federation furthers its commitment to evidence-based head injury prevention. This was also reinforced at a highly-productive match officials/disciplinary workshop.

World Rugby High Performance 15s Match Officials Manager Alain Rolland also outlined the revised Television Match Official (TMO) protocol trial that will operate at tier one hosted tests from this weekend.

Match official focus areas as agreed and calibrated in advance of the 2018 Six Nations

• Scrum: The match officials are looking for infringements including pre-engagement, pushing early, crooked feeds, non-hooking and wheeling
• Lineout: The match officials are looking for infringements including closing, stepping or running into the gap before the ball is thrown in
• Space: Match officials are looking for infringements that close space, including from kick-offs and kicks and at the tackle/ruck and maul
• Penalty tries: A penalty try will be awarded if an act of foul play prevents a probable try
• Foul play: Match officials will be vigilant for ball carriers who lead into contact with the elbow or forearm to the neck or head, no arms tackles (Law 9.16), high tackles (Law 9.13), neck rolls and ruck-charging