When the Top League kicks off its 12th season on Friday, there will be a slight change in the officiating as the league implements a television match official system.
The introduction of a TMO system is intended to bring Japan in line with the world standard as the nation builds toward hosting the Rugby World Cup in 2019. The extra official will have four to five camera angles with which to assist the on-field officials in enforcing the rules and clarifying difficult decisions.
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