The 20-minute red card is one of several innovations that will be debated at a meeting of the World Rugby Council on November 14, with those discussions set to determine whether the initiative will be rolled out on a wider basis.

French authorities are joining forces with players to oppose plans by World Rugby to introduce a 20-minute red card.

French rugby chiefs have condemned the proposed trial of the 20-minute red card in elite levels of the game around the world, saying it could encourage more aggressive play and expose players to greater risk of injury.

The French Rugby Federation expresses its "firm opposition" to the proposed 20-minute red card, saying it is an "unacceptable step backwards" by World Rugby.

French rugby bodies have issued a combined statement revealing their opposition to World Rugby's plans to institute a global trial of the 20-minute red card.

SA Rugby's view, who are aligned with both the north and the south, could be vital when the World Rugby meeting takes place in November.