World Rugby has confirmed five law trials that will start globally for a year, including the opening Bledisloe Cup test from August 7.

The move has been dubbed a progressive player welfare strategy.

Alongside the trials, a panel of independent concussion consultants - not affiliated with playing teams - will provide expertise on whether a player should return.

The trials include two used in the southern hemisphere – the goal-line drop out instead of a five-metre scrum when the ball carrier's held up over the line, and the 50:22 kick.

World Rugby didn't adopt the ability to replace a red-carded player after 20 minutes.

The other three trials focus on reducing injury risk at the breakdown.

Listen above as NZ Herald rugby writer Liam Napier discusses the news with D'Arcy Waldegrave