The IRB Council, at its Interim Meeting in Dublin on Tuesday, agreed a framework and timetable for the laws review beginning in early 2010 with stakeholder consultation to assess global playing trends.

Central to the process will be the full participation of Tier 1 Member Unions within a specialist Laws Consultation Group, while the framework will also pave the way for an evaluation structure and trials if recommended.

"We are all committed to ensuring that the game is as enjoyable to play, officiate and watch as possible," said IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset.

"Rugby is currently in good health with participation growing around the world, but there is concern about the attractiveness of the game at the elite level.

"There is collective responsibility to ensure that a structured process can be implemented to allow for global analysis and to monitor trends relating to the shape and character of the game.

"The framework agreed by the IRB Council will promote full rugby stakeholder consultation and the participation of Member Unions to ensure that decisions made are in the best interest of rugby worldwide," he added.

At its meeting, the IRB Council also considered the current application of the rulings relating to Laws 15 and 16 covering the tackle/ruck.

Council Members agreed to adopt the ruling as law with immediate effect.

The IRB Council also noted concerns raised by the Rugby Football Union regarding the tackle/ruck area and agreed that in light of a lack of informative data and evidence to suggest clear safety concerns across Unions, that the tackle/ruck be captured by the upcoming review.

The IRB Council also approved a request from the RFU to trial Goalscan technology in a sanctioned competition to indicate whether a kick at goal was successful or not.