Super Rugby referees will effectively have the power to put players on report rugby league-style among a host of new disciplinary actions being trialled this season.

Governing body SANZAR will trial major alterations to the judicial process which could lead to sweeping rule changes to the code internationally.

The International Rugby Board has approved the trial and the experimental moves will form a key part to the IRB’s own full review of disciplinary regulations.

Super Rugby kicks off on February 24 with referees holding the power to refer acts of foul play to a citing commissioner, rather than issue a red card, when they’re unsure of the severity of the offence or the culprit’s identity.

Like in the National Rugby League, whistleblowers can also refer on-field complaints from opponents for unseen incidents to the citing commissioner.

To ensure teams aren’t harshly punished for dubious calls or debatable send-offs, referees will have the power to issue a yellow card and also refer the incident for a post-match review.

Citing commissioners can also issue a post-match yellow card for acts of foul play that they feel almost warrant suspension.

Other changes include the appointment of duty judicial officers who can determine punishments and reduce the need for full judicial hearings, which will now be held by videoconference or teleconference.

The changes follow a working group meeting between Australian, South African and New Zealand representatives last September which conducted a “clean sheet” review of the SANZAR judicial process.

SANZAR chief executive Greg Peters said the review’s objectives were to provide a fair, consistent and simple system to reduce the need for full hearings and consequently save money.

“SANZAR has long held the view that the disciplinary process could be enhanced to provide for a more consistent and simplified outcome,” said Peters.

“We believe that these changes are an important step in the right direction”.