What changed in the wheelchair laws in March 2026?

The International Rugby League (IRL) Board approved seven amendments on 30 March 2026, which took effect immediately:

1. A ninth player is allowed, similar to the 18th player in the running game, with rules on when they can be activated.
2. Half time is extended from five minutes to ten.
3. Defenders can no longer delay tag removal to give their defensive line time to set.
4. A ball carrier who traps a tackler's hands or arms to stop tag removal commits foul play.
5. A player who deliberately raises both arms above shoulder height to avoid a tackle in a disadvantageous position is penalised for a voluntary tackle.
6. The play-the-ball description no longer refers to the action as one continuous movement.
7. Conflicting references on minimum players were removed: if a team is reduced to fewer than three players for any reason, the game should be abandoned.