Rugby X.

World Rugby has approved a new radical five-a-side indoor version of rugby when an international tournament set to be held in London later this year, according to a report in The Times.

Rugby X is hoping to improve the game’s finance and give the sport a boost akin to what Twenty20 has done for Cricket according to the report. Five more tournaments have been planned across the world, with ITV in talks to broadcast the inaugural event at London’s 02 Arena.

The likes of England, Wales, France and Australia are said to be interested, with the IRFU stating they are yet to receive a full report, but are interested in discussions. Olympic sevens gold medal winning coach Ben Ryan has helped developed the new version of the game, with matches set to last 10 minutes.

Rugby X encourages quick gameplay and does not have a half-time break or change of ends, while action resumes from the defending team’s end after a try is scored.

The three-man scrums are uncontested and lineouts have been replaced by throws which will be taken by a substitute from the side which has possession