A packed Welwyn Rugby Club was last night's venue for the Herts RFU to decide whether or not to join the RFU trial for rule changes in the 2012-2013 season. Proposed changes include simplified rules, fewer players per team and reduced pitch sizes with a heavy emphasis on increased player involvement and development. The RFU laid on a live demonstration of the proposed chages followed by a more formal presentation.

A Q and A session led to some healthy debate and the final vote was overwhelmingly in favour of joining the trial which starts next season.

For the U8's the implications seem to be limited - the existing Tag rules still apply with just a few minor tweaks: slightly smaller pitch size, 6 players per team, players can go to ground when scoring.

More information here.