[Chris Horton]

Added to Rule 9.10 ‘falling raised ball’ is: “The ball may be intercepted within 5 metres but outside of playing distance provided it is done safely”.

Some say this is something elite umpires were already allowing as fair play, and the Rule has been aligned with practice. Nothing wrong with that.

Other main change is much more leeway for defenders removing face masks after PC: only penalise if they play in mask outside 23m area, and then only with a simple free hit.