World Rugby has issued a statement to clarify time rules after the Six Nations clash between Scotland and Wales earlier this month was not allowed to restart following a late try.

Jon Welsh touched down in the dying stages of the match at Murrayfield, with Finn Russell adding the conversion as the clock approached the 80-minute mark, but referee Glen Jackson controversially deemed that there was no time for the restart.

The encounter finished 26-23 in Wales' favour but, under a new interpretation of the rules, a restart should be allowed in the same circumstances.

"The try-scoring team may elect to take the conversion or not," read a statement. "Providing they decline to take the kick or take the kick within the time remaining, a restart will occur and the match will end at the next stoppage within law. Time is taken from the moment the ball is struck. 

"The same logic applies to a penalty kick to touch. As long as the kick is taken before 80 minutes has elapsed the lineout will take place and the match will end at the next stoppage within law.

"Again, time is taken from the moment the ball is struck. "

Nevertheless, World Rugby says the correct decision was made by officials on the day.

"World Rugby backs the decision made by match officials at the end of the Scotland v Wales RBS Six Nations match at Murrayfield on 15 February where this issue arose," it added. 

"This clarification is a new interpretation that will provide certainty for any future issues of this nature."