What is a 20-minute red card? Will they be used during the 2025 Six Nations? Freddie Steward has his say on new system

The Six Nations have introduced 20-minute red cards for the 2025 edition of Rugby's Greatest Championship, and Leicester Tigers full-back Freddie Steward insists that the decision is good for the game. Under the new rules, sides will be allowed to substitute a player who has been shown the card after a 20-minute period. England get their campaign underway against Ireland on Saturday.

Referees at the men's, women's and Under-20s Six Nations will have the choice to show players 20-minute red cards for the first time ever this year.

The new disciplinary procedures were trialled during the Autumn internationals last November and now look set to be deployed during Rugby's Greatest Championship.

So, with the men's Six Nations set to get underway on Friday, let's take a closer look at the 20-minute red card.

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What is a 20-minute red card?

Red cards have been shown in both the men's and women's most recent Rugby World Cup finals, and also in the 2024 Gallagher Premiership final.

They have played a significant role in deciding the results of some huge matches in recent years, but a 20-minute red card would change things dramatically.

Under the new rules, teams will be allowed to substitute the offender who received the red card after that team played 20 minutes a player down.

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It is worth noting that referees will still reserve the right to show a traditional red card for deliberate and dangerous acts of foul play.

The reaction

England fullback Freddie Steward has praised the decision to introduce 20-minute red cards for the 2025 Six Nations, insisting that incorrect decisions can ruin Test matches.

Steward has been stung by harsh decisions in the past, having been shown a straight red in England's 29-16 defeat against Ireland in the 2023 Six Nations.

The red was later rescinded, but the damage had already been done, and Steward argues that introducing 20-minute red cards could prevent any injustices this year.

"The bunker stuff is really good," Steward said.

"It has such a significant impact on Test matches, as you saw in that game [the match against Ireland].

"It needs to be the right decision because it shapes campaigns for teams.

"You can lose games on a decision, it really kills you, I am glad they have taken strides to get it right.

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"You have seen red cards ruin Test matches.

"You can almost hear the groans of fans of the team who still have 15 on the field because they want a proper contest."

England will get their Six Nations campaign underway against Ireland on Saturday before welcoming France and Scotland to the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.

They will then face Italy in West London before a trip to Cardiff to take on Wales.

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