Following the IRB's annual conference last week on playing the game, attended by the many of the game's influential figures including Wallaby coach Rod Macqueen, All Blacks' coach Wayne Smith and England coach Clive Woodward, the IRB released the following statement heralding the meeting of minds as a great success.

The following statement was released by the IRB on March 12.

"The International Rugby Board's Annual Conference on the Game, held at the Lensbury Club in south west London last week, confirmed the growing appeal of this discussion forum amongst the world's leading coaches, referees and those responsible for the Game's development.

There was consensus on a wide range of issues important to the way rugby is played, and a recognition that, despite the problems associated with the professional era, the Game is in good health.

There was robust discussion and debate on topics such as the scrum, ruck and maul and, in particular, on the application of the Law in respect of the tackle and obstruction. It was noted that there had been difficulties in interpretation in the Southern Hemisphere with regard to the tackle area and the Law of obstruction as it applied to players running in front of the ball.

The IRB has re-emphasised, consistent with the discussion and consensus of the Conference, that there is no change either to the Laws as they stand on those issues or to the Board's determination to ensure that referees, coaches and players comply with the Laws as they are written. A document clarifying the application of the Law with regard to the tackle and obstruction will be issued to all Unions in membership.

Allan Hosie, Chairman of the IRB Laws Committee said, " It must be stressed that although there was detailed discussion at the Conference on one or two Laws which are causing problems and a number of positive recommendations were made to clarify the position, there is no change to the wording.

"So far as the tackle is concerned, referees must continue to ensure that the game is played by players staying on their feet. It is equally clear that any player deliberately running in front of the ball carrier is technically offside and is liable to be penalised if, in the referee's view, that player is causing obstruction or is in any way interfering with a defender in his attempts to make a tackle."

Dr. Syd Millar, Chairman of the IRB Technical Committee, added, 'The Conference gave an opportunity for all those involved in the playing of the game, coaches, players, referees and directors of rugby, to discuss how we can work together towards achieving the vision expressed in the Playing Charter for the Game and enshrined in Law.

"Those principles are basically Continuity of Play, a Fair Contest for the ball and the reward for Positive Play. Much of the debate centred around clarification of certain laws, but it is important to understand that the Laws and the referees application of them do not alone solve all the problems. Acceptance by coaches and players is vital if we wish to take the game to the next stage.'"