The International Rugby Board have taken steps to increase safety in the scrum by passing a new law covering the engagement sequence.

From the start of next January referees at all levels of the sport will implement a new four-stage "crouch, touch, pause, engage" process.

The IRB have been investigating the safety of the scrum and this move follows recommendations made by the organisation's medical committee.

The law change is designed to bring the forward packs closer together and reduce the force on impact but the IRB rejected calls to follow rugby league and completely 'depower' the scrum.

IRB chairman Dr Syd Millar confirmed the contested scrum remains central to the sport.

"An essential element of rugby is its physicality. This has to be appropriately balanced with the welfare of participating players and the IRB continues to take such issues very seriously," said Dr Millar.

"The IRB believes that the contested scrum is an integral part of the game and that rugby is unique in that its playing charter provides the opportunity for individuals of all shapes and sizes to play the game.

"That said, we have taken expert medical and technical advice that indicates that it is now appropriate for the game to adopt a less vigorous scrum engagement sequence."

The key difference to the current sequence is that the two props will have to touch their opponent's shoulder. At present the two packs - which at Test level can weigh in the region of 120 stone each - often charge into contact from as much as three feet away.

In addition to the engagement sequence, front rows cannot engage with their
head and shoulders lower than their hips.

This is intended to reduce the frequency of collapsed scrums but keep the set-piece competitive.