I was not aware that Army are involved in any trials (thanks CHBG) and now understand why Mr Voss picked up one of our L8s in the report for incorrect law re ELV foot in touch whilst catching kick deemed to have taken it into touch, referee applied current law. This was a L7 Corps match Royal Engineers v Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers last Wednesday.
did the players notice? are they aware they are playing to ELVs ?
sounds like perhaps they are not
Referees were told Friday 25th, with some confusion on the scope, as it was issued in a different document (hence my comment about World Rugby and RFU having a different perspective); suspect agreed at the AGM that week.
Since these are Representative teams, formed from personnel from many different units / clubs, their coaches would not have much time to understand and communicate the changes. They had not been available, or even mentioned, at the Corps Festival on 16th.
MM has my sympathies; one of the ARs does not have much experience: sod's law was that it occurred on his side!
The relevant trial is:
d) Change the Law so that a player who is in touch who catches or picks up a ball that has not reached the plane of touch is deemed to have taken the ball into touch.