Thomas Ramos hits out at rugby chiefs over major new rule change
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Not impressed.
France star Thomas Ramos has hit out at rugby chiefs over a new Top 14 rule reducing the time available for conversions from 60 to 45 seconds.
The Toulouse fullback voiced his frustration following his side’s emphatic 48-12 victory over Bordeaux-Bègles on Sunday.
Ramos, normally one of the most reliable kickers in the Top 14, endured an unusual night from the tee as he missed his first three conversion attempts before handing kicking duties over to Romain Ntamack.
The 31-year-old was subsequently asked about the new 45-second limit, which has been introduced in the Top 14 this season, and differs from the 60 seconds allowed under current World Rugby laws.
“My point of view is that one minute for conversions was very good,” Ramos told Canal+.
“For me, playing at fullback, if the try is scored on the opposite side, you don’t have much [time] left.
“I’m not going to make excuses about that tonight. When you go zero from three, you have to know when to put the tee aside, give it to Romain [Ntamack], and he did the job from there. So that’s pretty cool for the team.”
Ramos then questioned why players and kickers had not been consulted before the Top 14 change was introduced.
“It would be good if, on decisions like this, we could discuss them with the people involved.
“We’re not really consulted, so that’s a shame.
“I think the majority of kickers would have voted for one minute and for it to stay as it was.
“After that, they want to speed the game up. Maybe they got a little more of that tonight, so good for them.”
The Top 14 measure gives kickers 15 seconds less to complete a conversion than previously, with Ramos highlighting the additional difficulty for players who may have to make their way across the pitch following a try.
Despite his criticism, the France international was careful not to blame the change for his own struggles from the tee against Bordeaux, with Toulouse ultimately cruising to a comprehensive victory.
