For years, the TMO has been the standard for reviewing on-field decisions in rugby. Starting in 2026, MLR is replacing it with the Referee Review System (RRS).
The RRS puts decision-making back where it belongs: on the field. Referees remain the final authority on every call. But now, both officials and teams have a structured, transparent process to flag and review critical moments – without the delays and disruptions that have slowed the game down.
The result? Faster rugby. Clearer decisions. And a matchday experience that keeps fans in the action, not waiting on a replay.
How RRS works
The RRS will replace the TMO with an In Stadium Replay Operator (ISRO), which will enhance real-time decision-making and ensure consistency across matches.
The on-field referee can request assistance or a team may challenge a decision if it believes a clear or obvious infringement may have occurred. The referee will signal for a review and address the in-stadium crowd and broadcast with the initial call on the field.
Teams will be allowed two challenges per game, and if either of the team’s challenges are successful, they will retain that challenge. An unsuccessful challenge will result in the loss of a challenge, and teams cannot challenge previously-reviewed situations. The team captain will initiate a challenge with a clear statement of what, when, and where the incident his team wishes to challenge occurred.
Every ISRO will be a neutral, league-certified rugby analyst with officiating experience and knowledge of rugby law. The ISRO will be located in the technical area and will assist the referee team, calling up angles of incident for review.
Additionally, each replay will be reviewed on the jumbotron or pitchside monitor. Only clear and obvious evidence will result in a change in the original on-field decision. After review, the referee will communicate the ruling by mouth and signal.
The RRS will be tested during pre-season matches before debuting in round one of regular-season matches.
