The information and links provided on this page are developed and maintained by other societies and organisations. Wherever possible, all attempts are made to keep this information up to date.

However, the Society would strongly advise members to consult the relevant source of all materials for the definitive and latest information.

If you have any queries about the Laws/Regulations or their application, please do not hesitate to contact a senior referee or member of the Executive Committee for clarification.

World Rugby Laws

For up-to-date Laws including definitions and variations, Law clarifications and application guidelines,a Law exam and official iPhone/iPad apps, please visit the World Rugby Laws website. The official Android app can be found here on the Google Play store.

Competition Rules & Regulations

The latest RFU Game Regulations can be found by visiting: https://www.englandrugby.com/governance/rules-and-regulations/regulations

The latest RFU Competition Regulations can be found by visiting: https://www.englandrugby.com/governance/rules-and-regulations/rfu-competition-regulations

The ‘Man-Off’ Regulation

Pursuant to RFU Regulation 13 Appendix 2 paragraph 5(b) the RFU has exercised its discretion to implement the ‘Player-Off’ rule as described in Law 3.17 which provides:

In a squad of 23 players or at the discretion of the match organiser, a player whose departure has caused the referee to order uncontested scrums cannot be replaced.

To be clear, the Law does not say that a player must be dropped - it says that the players whose departure left the field may not be replaced. This means that if the departure is due to a yellow or red card the team does not lose a second player e.g. they would still go from 15 players to 14, not 13.

Age Grade Rugby Variations

England Rugby’s age grade resources can be found on their website, including this handy summary leaflet.

All u19 age groups

  • Uncontested scrums must be played with 8 players per side.

  • In an eight-person scrum, the formation must be 3-4-1 with the ‘number 8’ between the two locks.

  • When a team is reduced to fewer than 15 for any reason, the number of players in each team in the scrum must be similarly reduced.

  • If one team’s scrum has fewer than 8 players, the other team’s scrum must match the numbers.

  • If a scrum has 7 players the formation is 3-4 i.e. no number 8. If there are 6 players the formation is 3-2-1 i.e. no flankers. If there are 5 players the formation is 3-2 i.e. no back row.

  • Sanction for all the above - free kick (but you should spot and manage any mistakes as the players are unlikely to know these variations in as much detail as you).

  • A team must not push the scrum forward more than 1.5 metres or keep the ball in the scrum once it is controlled at the base. Sanction - free kick (but before this, common practice is to call “HOLD THE SHOVE” before 1.5m is reached).

  • If the scrum wheels 45 degrees or more, it is reset. If it is deliberately wheeled, a penalty is awarded.

  • Number 8 pick up and run is allowed from u14 upwards.

u16, u17, u18 & u19

  • 35 minute halves.

u15

  • 30 minute halves.

  • Lineout uncontested, but lifting permitted.

u14

  • 25 minute halves.

  • Lineout uncontested, lifting not permitted.