European club rugby fans reminded of 15 minute half-time

The decision by ERC to introduce a 15 minute half-time this season has followed the positive experience from England and an IRB sanctioned trial in the English Premiership which took place from 2006/7 to 2008/9 season. The successful trial subsequently led to the amendment to the IRB Laws in 2009 to allow for intervals of up to 15 minutes, which was adopted by the Premiership in England.

Addressing potential welfare concerns, the analysis of the Premiership trial established that there was no additional injury risk and that the extended half-time period in fact presented player welfare benefits.

"We're are more than happy with the 15 minute half-time," said Director of Rugby of the Amlin Challenge Cup champions Harlequins, Conor O'Shea. "As coaches, it gives us a little more time to reflect, and our physios also have that more time to tend to any bumps or bruises suffered by players. So, in terms of player welfare, we believe that our players are actually better looked after with a longer interval."

From a commercial perspective, the 15 minute period was found to be very beneficial to host Clubs in terms of catering for the needs of spectators during the important peak half-time period, and was requested by many Clubs for their home European games, which attract some of the largest attendances of the season.

ERC hope fans will find that the longer interval will enhance their enjoyment of the European match day.