Rugby’s Moments of the Week: PREM Introduces 20-Minute Red Card

The new rugby season is already serving up storylines as the club game has officially returned.

From fresh rule changes and fierce World Cup battles to coaching shake-ups and club rebrands, the game is evolving in real time.

Whether it’s the introduction of the 20-minute red card, hard-fought international clashes, or the dawn of a new era in Newcastle, rugby continues to reflect both its deep roots and its ever-changing future.

Amid fierce competition and emotional highs and lows, players, fans, and teams are all adapting to a sport that refuses to stand still.

Here’s a look at the major talking points from a packed weekend and beyond.

20-Minute red card in PREM

The 20-minute red card, already trialled in global competitions like the 2025 Six Nations, will be introduced in the Gallagher Premiership from the 2025/26 season.

Aimed at punishing foul play that isn’t deemed deliberate or intentional, this new rule allows teams to replace the red-carded player after 20 minutes. Unlike a yellow card, the sanctioned player cannot return to the field.

The referee will signal a 20-minute red card by crossing their arms when issuing it. It will also apply when a player receives a second yellow card in a match.

Importantly, once this red card is given, the referee’s decision is final—no TMO or Bunker review will follow.

The standard red card will still be used for more serious, intentional offences.

Axelle Berthoumieu ban

France’s Axelle Berthoumieu has received a reduced nine-match ban after biting Ireland’s Aoife Wafer during their Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final clash in Exeter.

The incident occurred during a tense 18-13 win for France, with television replays later showing Berthoumieu appearing to bite Wafer’s arm in a ruck.

Although no action was taken at the time, Ireland captain Sam Monaghan reported it to the referee.

After reviewing footage and written evidence, an independent disciplinary panel issued a 12-match ban, later reduced to nine following Berthoumieu’s admission, clean record, and apology.

She’ll miss the remainder of the tournament and several domestic games. T

he same match also saw France’s Manae Feleu handed a three-match suspension for a dangerous tackle, though her appeal against the ban was unsuccessful.

Lee Blackett joins England

Lee Blackett has been appointed as England’s new full-time attack coach, joining Steve Borthwick’s team at the end of September.

After impressing during a summer trial run — which included victories over Argentina and the USA — Blackett has secured a permanent role, having been given freedom to shape England’s attacking play during that stint.

Formerly Bath’s attack coach, he helped guide them to a Premiership title with a high-scoring game plan and previously led Wasps’ dynamic style before their liquidation.

His experience with England A and success integrating emerging players also strengthened his case.

With Richard Wigglesworth moving to a defence role, Blackett’s addition is part of a broader coaching reshuffle.

The RFU has agreed to buy out his Bath contract to bring him in full-time.

Rugby Championship mayhem

Over the weekend, two dramatic Rugby Championship matches shook the standings.

In Wellington, South Africa handed New Zealand their biggest-ever defeat, winning 43-10 with a dominant second-half performance that saw them score 36 unanswered points and six tries.

Despite an early try from All Blacks debutant Leroy Carter, the Springboks overwhelmed the hosts after the break, with standout performances from Cheslin Kolbe, Damian Willemse, and Manie Libbok.

The result pushed South Africa level with New Zealand on points.

Meanwhile, in Sydney, Argentina edged out Australia 28-26 in a tense encounter. Santiago Carreras kicked 23 points to punish an undisciplined Wallabies side, helping the Pumas avenge last week’s late loss.

Australia rallied with three late tries, but it wasn’t enough to overturn Argentina’s strong first-half lead.

World Cup semis confirmed

The quarter-finals of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup delivered high drama last weekend, setting up two blockbuster semi-finals between unbeaten teams.

New Zealand, six-time champions, powered past South Africa in Exeter and will now face Canada—ranked second in the world—on Friday at Ashton Gate.

Canada impressed with a dominant display against Australia and are chasing their first-ever World Cup title.

The following day, England meet familiar rivals France in Bristol.

England extended their record of reaching every World Cup semi-final with a commanding win over Scotland, while France advanced with a composed performance of their own.

The last time these two met, England ran out 40-6 winners, but France will be hungry for revenge.

Both semi-finals promise intensity, history, and packed stadiums.

Red Bulls begin new era

Newcastle’s new era under Red Bull ownership began in perfect fashion with a 26-14 bonus-point win over Harlequins in the Premiership Rugby Cup at Kingston Park.

In their first match as the Newcastle Red Bulls, the home side delivered a powerful performance in front of a record crowd of 9,089.

Captain George McGuigan scored the first try of the rebranded team’s history, with further scores from Murray McCallum, Oli Spencer, and Alex Hearle securing the bonus point.

Brett Connon added the extras with the boot, while a determined defensive display kept Quins at bay despite a late yellow card.

The win marked a confident and symbolic start to life under new ownership, blending energy, identity, and promise in a memorable night for fans in the North East.

READ MORE: Nottingham’s Gwyn Parks on his journey from BUCS Super Rugby to the Championship