How do 20-minute red cards work in the URC?

The URC adopted World Rugby's 20-minute red card trial in 2025/26, and World Rugby made it full law for elite rugby from 1 July 2026, so it applies throughout 2026/27.

20-minute red card

• For foul play that reaches red card level but is not highly dangerous and intentional.
• The player is off for the rest of the match. The team plays a player short until 20 minutes of playing time have passed since the incident, then any available replacement from the bench may come on.
• Two yellow cards to the same player in a match also make a 20-minute red card (unless the second act is highly dangerous and intentional, which makes it a permanent red).

Permanent red card

• For highly dangerous and intentional foul play. Only the referee on the field can give it (after a TMO review if one is used).
• The player cannot be replaced, so the team plays a player short for the rest of the match.

How a yellow can become a red

1. The referee shows a yellow card and crosses their arms, sending the incident for off-field review. The player goes off for 10 minutes.
2. The Foul Play Review Officer (or the TMO doing that job) has up to eight minutes to review it.
3. The card either stays yellow or is upgraded to a 20-minute red. The off-field reviewer cannot recommend a permanent red card.