A total of 16 experimental law variations will be used in domestic rugby competitions this year, the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) have announced.
The International Rugby Board (IRB) have instituted a one-year global trial at all levels involving 13 of the 23 ELVs that have been trialled over the last two years.
In addition, with IRB approval, the NZRU will trial an additional three ELVs.
They are: for all offences other than offside, not entering through the gate and Law 10 foul play, the sanction is a free kick; in tackle and ruck infringements there is a reduction of sanctions to freekicks from penalty kicks where possible and if a maul became unplayable; the team not in possession at the start of the maul receives a freekick.
The NZRU said the domestic Air NZ Cup, Heartland Championship, the men's B competition and the women's national championship would be played under the 16 ELVs.
Implementation and flow-on effects of the global ELVs trial on all domestic rugby competitions will be discussed with provincial unions and other key stakeholders over the next few weeks.
The NZRU reiterated the three tests between the All Blacks and England in June will not be played under the ELVs.
Sanzar will shortly decide whether or not the three additional ELVs will be used in the Tri-Nations.