2024 World Rugby Laws of the Game PDF

Laws of the game Rugby Union Incorporating the playing charter 2024 2024 Copyright © World Rugby All rights reserved. The reproduction, distribution or transmission of all or part of the work, whether by photocopying or storing in any medium by electronic means or otherwise, without the written p...

Laws of the game Rugby Union Incorporating the playing charter 2024 2024 Copyright © World Rugby All rights reserved. The reproduction, distribution or transmission of all or part of the work, whether by photocopying or storing in any medium by electronic means or otherwise, without the written permission of World Rugby (application for which should be addressed to World Rugby), is prohibited. The right of World Rugby to be identified as the author of this work is hereby asserted by it in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988. Published by World Rugby World Rugby World Rugby House, 8-10 Pembroke Street Lower, Dublin 2, Ireland Tel +353-1-240-9200 Web www.world.rugby Email [email protected]  www.world.rugby⁄laws World Rugby’s law education web site English Français Español Русский 中文 日本語 Italiano Română Afrikaans Deutsch Português Polski Read the laws of the game and the playing charter Watch video clips of the laws in practice Take the self-test law exam and download your awareness certificate Download a PDF file of the law book Get the free World Rugby laws iOS/Android app  CONTENTS Foreword................................................................... 3 Playing charter.............................................................. 4 Key to text and diagrams.................................................... 16 Definitions................................................................. 17 Laws of the game........................................................... 25 Law 1 The ground....................................................... 26 Law 2 The ball.......................................................... 30 Law 3 Team............................................................. 31 Law 4 Players’ clothing................................................... 36 Law 5 Time............................................................. 38 Law 6 Match officials..................................................... 40 Law 7 Advantage........................................................ 47 Law 8 Scoring........................................................... 49 Law 9 Foul play......................................................... 54 Law 10 Offside and onside in open play..................................... 59 Law 11 Knock-on or throw forward......................................... 62 Law 12 Kick-off and restart kicks........................................... 64 Law 13 Players on the ground in open play.................................. 67 Law 14 Tackle............................................................ 68 Law 15 Ruck............................................................. 74 Law 16 Maul............................................................. 78 Law 17 Mark............................................................. 81 Law 18 Touch, quick throw and lineout..................................... 83 Law 19 Scrum............................................................ 99 Law 20 Penalty and free-kick.............................................. 111 Law 21 In-goal.......................................................... 116 Law variations - Under-19................................................... 119 Law variations - Sevens..................................................... 122 Variations - 10s............................................................. 132 Variations - Game-on....................................................... 139 Match official signals....................................................... 145 2 WORLD RUGBY FOREWORD T he object of the game is that two teams of 15, 10 or seven players each, observing fair play, according to the laws and sporting spirit, should by carrying, passing, kicking and grounding the ball, score as many points as possible, the team scoring the greater number of points being the winner of the match. The laws of the game, including the standard set of variations for under-19s, 10s and rugby sevens, are complete and contain all that is necessary to enable the game to be played correctly and fairly. Rugby union is a sport which involves physical contact and, as such, presents inherent dangers. It is very important to play the game in accordance with the laws and be mindful of player welfare at all times. It is the responsibility of players to ensure that they are physically and technically prepared to play within the laws and are committed to participate in accordance with safe practices and enjoyment. It is the responsibility of those who coach or teach the game to ensure that players are prepared to comply with the laws, to play fairly and practice safe conduct. It is the duty of the referee to apply fairly all the laws in every match, including law trials and variations as authorised by World Rugby. It is the duty of the unions to ensure that the game at every level is conducted in accordance with disciplined and sporting behaviour. The principle of fair play cannot be upheld solely by the referee. Responsibility for its observance also rests on unions, clubs, other affiliated bodies, coaches and players. Each union should create a pathway programme for youth players. Through this programme, young players can be gradually introduced to the various phases of rugby at an appropriate time, offering them more protection from injury. The age and content of this programme should be determined by each union, depending on the unique characteristics of the playing environment within that union. LAWS OF THE GAME RUGBY UNION 2024 3 Playing charter PLAYING CHARTER INTRODUCTION A game which started out as a simple pastime has been transformed into a global network around which vast stadia have been built, an intricate administrative structure created and complex strategies devised. Rugby union, in common with any activity which attracts the interest and enthusiasm of all kinds of people, has many sides and faces. Rugby is played worldwide by people of all ages from across a wide and diverse range of backgrounds. More than 8.5 million people aged from six to 60+ regularly participate in the playing of the game. The wide variation of skills and physical requirements needed for the game mean that there is an opportunity for individuals of every shape, size and ability to participate. Apart from the playing of the game and its ancillary support, rugby embraces a number of social and emotional concepts such as courage, loyalty, sportsmanship, discipline and teamwork. What this charter does is to give the game a checklist against which the mode of play and behaviour can be assessed. The objective is to ensure that rugby maintains its unique character both on and off the field. The charter covers the basic principles of rugby as they relate to playing and coaching, and to the creation and application of the laws. It is hoped that the charter, which is an important complement to the laws, will set the standards for all those who are involved in rugby, at whatever level. INTEGRITY PASSION SOLIDARITY DISCIPLINE RESPECT LAWS OF THE GAME RUGBY UNION 2024 5  PLAYING CHARTER PRINCIPLES OF THE GAME CONDUCT The legend of William Webb Ellis, who is credited with first picking up the football and running with it, has doggedly survived the countless revisionist theories since that day at Rugby School in 1823. That the game should have its origins in an act of spirited defiance is somehow appropriate. At first glance it is difficult to find the guiding principles behind a game which, to the casual observer, appears to be a mass of contradictions. It is perfectly acceptable, for example, to be seen to be exerting extreme physical pressure on an opponent in an attempt to gain possession of the ball, but not wilfully or maliciously to inflict injury. These are the boundaries within which players and referees must operate and it is the capacity to make this fine distinction, combined with control and discipline, both individual and collective, upon which the code of conduct depends. SPIRIT Rugby owes much of its appeal to the fact that it is played both to the letter and within the spirit of the laws. The responsibility for ensuring that this happens lies not with one individual - it involves coaches, captains, players and referees. 6 WORLD RUGBY  INTEGRITY Integrity is central to the fabric of the game and is generated through honesty and fair play  PLAYING CHARTER PRINCIPLES OF THE GAME It is through discipline, control and mutual respect that the spirit of the game flourishes and, in the context of a game as physically challenging as rugby, these are the qualities which forge the fellowship and sense of fair play so essential to the game’s ongoing success and survival. Old-fashioned traditions and virtues they may be, but they have stood the test of time and, at all levels at which the game is played, they remain as important to rugby’s future as they have been throughout its long and distinguished past. The principles of rugby are the fundamental elements upon which the game is based and they enable participants to immediately identify the game’s character and what makes it distinctive as a sport. OBJECT The game’s objective is to score as many points as possible against an opposing team by carrying, passing, kicking and grounding the ball, according to the laws of the game, its sporting spirit and fair play. CONTEST AND CONTINUITY The contest for possession of the ball is one of rugby’s key features. These contests occur throughout the game and in a number of different forms: in contact in open play when play is re-started at scrums, lineouts, kick-offs and restart kicks. 8 WORLD RUGBY  PASSION Rugby people have a passionate enthusiasm for the game. Rugby generates excitement, emotional attachment and a sense of belonging to the global rugby family  PLAYING CHARTER PRINCIPLES OF THE GAME The contests are balanced in such a way as to reward superior skill displayed in the preceding action. For example, a team forced to kick for touch because of its inability to maintain the play is denied the throw-in to the lineout. Similarly, the team knocking the ball on or passing the ball forward is denied the throw at the subsequent scrum. The advantage then must always lie with the team throwing the ball in, although, here again, it is important that these areas of play can be fairly contested. The team in possession aims to maintain continuity by denying the opposition the ball and, by skilful means, to advance and score points. Failure to do this will mean the surrendering of possession to the opposition either as a result of shortcomings on the part of the team in possession or because of the quality of the opposition defence; contest and continuity, profit and loss. As one team attempts to maintain continuity of possession, the opposing team strives to contest for possession. This provides the essential balance between continuity of play and continuity of possession. This balance of contestability and continuity applies to both set piece and open play. 10 WORLD RUGBY  SOLIDARITY Rugby provides a unifying spirit that leads to life long friendships, camaraderie, teamwork and loyalty which transcends cultural, geographic, political and religious differences  PLAYING CHARTER PRINCIPLES OF THE LAWS The principles upon which the laws of the game are based are: A SPORT FOR ALL The laws provide players of different physiques, skills, genders and ages with the opportunity to participate at their levels of ability in a controlled, competitive and enjoyable environment. It is incumbent upon all who play rugby to have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the laws of the game. MAINTAINING THE IDENTITY The laws ensure that rugby’s distinctive features are maintained through scrums, lineouts, mauls, rucks, kick-offs and re-starts. Also the key features relating to contest and continuity - the backward pass, the offensive tackle. ENJOYMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT The laws provide the framework for a game that is both enjoyable to play and entertaining to watch. If, on occasions, these objectives appear to be incompatible, enjoyment and entertainment are enhanced by enabling the players to give full rein to their skills. To achieve the correct balance, the laws are constantly under review. APPLICATION There is an over-riding obligation on the players to observe the laws and to respect the principles of fair play. The laws must be applied in such a way as to ensure that the game is played according to the principles of play. The match officials can achieve this through fairness, consistency, sensitivity and, when appropriate, management. In return, it is the responsibility of coaches, captains and players to respect the authority of the match officials. 12 WORLD RUGBY  DISCIPLINE Discipline is an integral part of the game, both on and off the field, and is reflected through adherence to the laws, the regulations and rugby’s core values  PLAYING CHARTER CONCLUSION Rugby is valued as a sport for all. It builds teamwork, understanding, co-operation and respect for fellow participants. Its cornerstones are, as they always have been: The pleasure of participating The courage and skill which the game demands The love of a team sport that enriches the lives of all involved The lifelong friendships forged through a shared interest in the game. It is because of, not despite, rugby’s intensely physical and athletic characteristics that such great camaraderie exists before and after matches. The long-standing tradition of players from competing teams enjoying each other’s company away from the pitch and in a social context remains at the very core of the game. Rugby has fully embraced the professional era, but has retained the ethos and traditions of the recreational game. In an age in which many traditional sporting qualities are being diluted or even challenged, rugby is rightly proud of its ability to retain high standards of sportsmanship, ethical behaviour and fair play. This charter will help to reinforce those cherished values. 14 WORLD RUGBY  RESPECT Respect for team-mates, opponents, match officials and those involved in the game is paramount  KEY TO TEXT AND DIAGRAMS DIAGRAMS Throughout this book, the diagrams conform to the following conventions: Players Ball Path of ball when kicked Path of ball when thrown / passed Path of ball when knocked on / charged down Path of player Flag post TEXT Ongoing Global Law Trials are denoted by: Sanctions are denoted by colour as follows: Red for a sanction which results in the award of a penalty Green for a sanction which results in the award of a free-kick Blue for a sanction which results in the award of a scrum, restart kick, quick-throw or lineout Gold for a sanction which results in the disallowing of a kick. 16 WORLD RUGBY Definitions  DEFINITIONS 0-9 22: The area between the goal line and the 22-metre line, and between the touchlines. It includes the 22-metre line but not the goal line or the touchlines. A Actual time: Continuous elapsed time (see playing time). Advantage: A clear and real tactical or territorial benefit arising after an infringement by the opposition. Attacking team: The opposition to the team in whose half play is taking place. B ‘Brake’ Foot: Where a hooker has one foot positioned forward in the middle of the tunnel to help stability and to avoid axial loading. This position is adopted throughout the “Crouch” and “Bind” elements of the engagement sequence. The foot can only be withdrawn after the “set” and before the strike for the ball. Ball-carrier: A player who is in possession of the ball. Beyond or behind or in front of a position: Means with both feet, except where the context makes that inappropriate. Binding: Grasping another player’s body firmly between the shoulders and the hips with the whole arm in contact from hand to shoulder. Blood injury: Uncontrolled active bleeding. C Captain: The player nominated by a team to lead that team, consult the referee and select options relating to referee decisions. D Dead: The ball is dead when the referee blows the whistle to stop play or following an unsuccessful conversion. Dead-ball line: The line at either end (and not part) of the playing area. Defending team: The team in whose half play is taking place. Directly caught: A ball caught without first touching anyone else or the ground. Drop-kick: After being intentionally dropped to the ground from the hand or hands, the ball is kicked as it rises from its first bounce. 18 WORLD RUGBY DEFINITIONS F Field of play: The area between the goal lines and the touch lines. Those lines are not part of the field of play. Flying wedge: An illegal type of attack, which usually happens near the goal line, either from a penalty or free-kick or in open play. Team-mates are latched on each side of the ball-carrier in a wedge formation before engaging the opposition. Often one or more of these team-mates is in front of the ball-carrier. Forward: Towards the opposition’s dead-ball line. Foul play: Anything a player does within the playing enclosure that is contrary to Law 9 governing obstruction, unfair play, repeated infringements, dangerous play and misconduct. Free-kick: Awarded against a team for an infringement or to a team for a mark. G Goal: The ball is place-kicked or drop-kicked over the opponents’ cross-bar from the field of play. Goal line: The line at either end (and not part) of the field of play. The ground: The total area shown in the ground diagram in law 1. H Half-time: The interval between the two halves of the game. Hand-off: A permitted action, taken by a ball-carrier to fend off an opponent, using the palm of the hand. Hindmost: Nearest a team’s own goal line. Holding the ball: Being in possession of the ball in the hand or hands or in the arm or arms. I In-goal: The area between the goal line and dead-ball line, and between the touch- in-goal lines. It includes the goal line but not the dead-ball line or the touch-in-goal lines. Infield: Within the playing area, away from the touchlines. LAWS OF THE GAME RUGBY UNION 2024 19  DEFINITIONS J Jackler: The jackler is the first arriving team-mate of the tackler at the tackle. They must remain on their feet to contest directly onto the ball. If previously involved in the tackle, they must first clearly release the ball carrier before contesting for the ball. Jersey: A shirt worn on the upper half of the body and which is not attached to shorts or underwear. K Kick: An act made by intentionally hitting the ball with any part of the leg or foot, except the heel, from the toe to the knee but not including the knee. A kick must move the ball a visible distance out of the hand, or along the ground. Kick-off: The method of starting each half of a match and at the beginning of each period of extra-time with a drop-kick. Kicked directly into touch: The ball is kicked into touch without first landing on the playing area or touching a player or the referee. Kicking tee: Any device approved by the match organiser to support the ball when taking a place-kick. Knock-on: When a player loses possession of the ball and it goes forward, or when a player hits the ball forward with the hand or arm, or when the ball hits the hand or arm and goes forward, and the ball touches the ground or another player before the original player can catch it. L Latched: Bound to a team-mate prior to contact. Line of touch: See mark of touch. Line through the mark or place: Unless stated otherwise, a line parallel to the touchline. Lineout: A lineout is a set piece consisting of a line of at least two players from each team waiting to receive a throw from touch. Lineout players: The players in either line of a lineout. 20 WORLD RUGBY DEFINITIONS M Mark: A method of suspending play and winning a free-kick by directly catching an opponent’s kick in the catcher’s own 22 or in in-goal and shouting “mark”. Mark of touch: An imaginary line in the field of play at right angles to the touchline through the place where the ball is thrown in. The mark of touch cannot be within five metres of a goal line. Match officials: Those who control the game, usually consisting of a referee and two assistant referees or touch judges but may also include a television match official and, in sevens, two in-goal judges. Match organiser: Administrative body responsible for the match which may be World Rugby, a union, a group of unions or any organisation approved by a union or World Rugby. Maul: A phase of play consisting of a ball-carrier and at least one player from each team, bound together and on their feet. Misconduct: An offence under World Rugby Regulation 18 or Match organiser’s equivalent. N Near: Within one metre. O Obstruction: When a player attempting to play is illegally impeded and prevented from doing so. Off feet: Players are off their feet when any other part of the body is supported by the ground or players on the ground. Offside: A positional offence meaning a player can take no part in the game without being liable to sanction. On feet: Players are on their feet if no other part of their body is supported by the ground or players on the ground. Open play: The period after a kick-off, restart kick, free-kick, penalty or set piece and before the next phase, or the period between phases of play, excluding when the ball is dead. LAWS OF THE GAME RUGBY UNION 2024 21  DEFINITIONS P Participating players at a lineout: These consist of lineout players, one receiver from each team (if present), the player who throws in and an immediate opponent. Pass: A player throws or hands the ball to another player. Penalty: Awarded against a team for a serious infringement. Penalty try: Awarded when, in the opinion of the referee, a try probably would have been scored (or scored in a more advantageous position) if not for an act of foul play by an opponent. Phase of play: Scrum, lineout, ruck or maul. Place-kick: The ball is kicked after it has been placed on the ground (or on an approved kicking tee) for that purpose. Placer: A player holding the ball for a team-mate to place kick. Plane of touch: The vertical space rising immediately above the touch line or touch-in-goal line. Played: The ball is played when it is intentionally touched by a player. Player grounded: See “off feet”. Players’ clothing: Anything players wear which, to be legal, must conform to World Rugby Regulation 12. Playing area: The field of play plus the in-goal areas. The touch lines, touch-in-goal lines and dead-ball lines are not part of the playing area. Playing enclosure: The playing area plus a space around it, which is known as the perimeter area. Playing time: Actual time, excluding time lost for stoppages (see actual time). Possession: An individual or team in control of the ball or who are attempting to bring it under control. Punt: A player intentionally drops the ball and kicks it before it touches the ground. Q Quick-throw: A throw from touch taken before the lineout is formed. The ball is thrown in by the team that would have thrown the ball into the lineout. 22 WORLD RUGBY DEFINITIONS R Receiver: The player in a position to receive the ball if it is knocked or passed back from a lineout. Red card: The card shown by the referee to a player to indicate that the player has been permanently excluded from the match. Replacement: A player who replaces a team-mate because of injury or for tactical reasons. Restart kick: The method of restarting play with a drop-kick after a score or a touch-down. Ruck: A phase of play where one or more players from each team, who are on their feet and in physical contact, close around the ball, which is on the ground. Rucking: Legally using one’s feet to try to win or keep possession of the ball in a ruck. S Sanction: The method by which the game is restarted following an infringement or stoppage. Scrum: A set piece, normally consisting of eight players from each team bound together in formation. Scrum zone: The area in the field of play where a scrum may take place. Sent off: A player is shown a red card and is permanently excluded from the match. Shorts: Trousers that start at the waist and end above the knees, have an elasticated waist band and/or draw string, and are not attached to the jersey or underwear. Sin-bin: The designated place outside the playing area within which a temporarily suspended player must remain. Stiff-arm tackle: An illegal tackle whereby a player uses a stiff arm to strike the ball-carrier. LAWS OF THE GAME RUGBY UNION 2024 23  DEFINITIONS T Tackle: The method of holding a ball-carrier and bringing that player to ground. Tackled player: A ball-carrier who is held and taken to ground by a tackler or tacklers. Tackler: An opposition player who holds the tackled player and goes to ground. Team: A group of players, usually 15, who start the match plus any authorised replacements. Team-mate: Another player of the same team. Technical Zone: (Technical Area) A designated area shown in Law 1, where replacements, water carriers and coaches must remain until required. In matches with a squad size of 23, only water carriers are allowed in the Technical zone. Temporarily suspended: Excluded from the game for a specified period of playing time, usually 10 minutes. Throw forward: When a player throws or passes the ball forward i.e. if the arms of the player passing the ball move forward. Touch: The area alongside the field of play that includes the touchlines and beyond. Touch-in-goal: The area alongside the in-goal area that includes the touch-in-goal lines and beyond. U Uncontested scrum: A scrum in which the team throwing-in gains possession without contest, with neither team being allowed to push from the mark. Underwear: An undergarment, that covers the body from the waist, having short or no legs, ending above the knees, and is worn next to the skin or under clothing, and is not attached to the jersey or shorts. Union: A body, approved by World Rugby, responsible for the organising and playing of games within a specific geographical area. Y Yellow card: The card shown by the referee to a player to indicate that the player has been cautioned and temporarily suspended. 24 WORLD RUGBY Laws of the game  LAW 1 The ground Touch-in- Dead-ball line goal line Touch- in-goal 6-22m In-goal In-goal Goal line Touchline Touch 22-metre line 3m 10m Technical 2m 0.5m 10-metre line Zone 94-100m Half-way line Half-way line 10m 3m Technical Zone 10-metre line 2m 10m Touch 22-metre line 15m Touchline 22m 5m 5m Goal line Touch-in-goal Touch-in- goal line 6-22m In-goal 68-70m Dead-ball line The ground 26 WORLD RUGBY LAW 1 The ground 1. The playing surface must be safe. 2. The permitted surface types are grass, sand, clay, snow or artificial turf (conforming to World Rugby Regulation 22). 3. The dimensions of the playing area shown in the ground diagram. Dimensions Field of play length In-goal length Width Maximum (metres) 100 22 70 Minimum (metres) 94 6 68 a. The playing area is rectangular in shape. b. Any variations to these dimensions must be approved by the relevant union for domestic competitions or World Rugby for international matches. Field of play Playing area Playing enclosure Perimeter area In-goal 22 Scrum zone LAWS OF THE GAME RUGBY UNION 2024 27  LAW 1 The ground c. Where the length of the field of play is less than 100 metres, the distance between the 10-metre lines and 22-metre lines is reduced accordingly. d. Where the width of the playing area is less than 70 metres, the distance between the 15-metre lines is reduced accordingly. e. The perimeter area should not be less than five metres wide where practicable. LINES 4. There are solid lines configured as shown in the ground diagram. The solid lines are on: a. The dead-ball lines and touch-in-goal lines. b. The goal lines. c. The 22-metre lines. d. The half-way line. e. The touchlines. 5. There are dash lines configured as shown in the ground diagram. Each dash within a dash line is five metres in length. There are dash lines: a. Five metres from, and parallel to each touchline. b. 15 metres from, and parallel to, each touchline. c. 10 metres from, and parallel to, each side of the half-way line. d. Five metres from, and parallel to, each goal line. 6. There is one line 0.5 metres long that intersects the centre of the half-way line. 28 WORLD RUGBY LAW 1 The ground GOAL POSTS AND CROSSBAR 7. When padding is attached to the goal posts the distance from the goal line to the external edge of the padding must not exceed 0.3 metres. Minimum height 3.4m 5.6m 3m to top edge of bar Goal posts FLAG POSTS 8. There are 14 flag posts with flags, each with a minimum height of 1.2 metres. 9. One flag post is positioned at each intersection of the touch-in-goal lines and the goal lines and one at each intersection of the touch-in-goal lines and the dead-ball lines (eight flag posts in total). 10. One flag post is positioned in line with the 22-metre line and the half-way line on each side of the pitch, two metres outside the touchlines and within the playing enclosure (six flag posts in total). OBJECTIONS TO THE GROUND 11. Teams must inform the referee of any objections before the match starts. 12. The referee will attempt to resolve the issues and will not start a match if any part of the ground is considered to be unsafe. LAWS OF THE GAME RUGBY UNION 2024 29  LAW 2 The ball 1. The ball is oval and made of four panels. 2. It has dimensions as shown here: 280-300 mm 740-770 mm 580-620 mm 3. It weighs 410-460 grams. 4. Smaller balls may be used for matches between young players. 5. The ball is made of leather or a suitable synthetic material. It may be treated to make it water resistant and easier to grip. 6. Its air pressure at the start of play is 65.71-68.75 kilopascals, 0.67-0.70 kilograms per square centimetre or 9.5-10.0 pounds per square inch. 7. Spare balls may be available during a match. 30 WORLD RUGBY LAW 3 Team NUMBERS 1. Each team has no more than 15 players in the playing area during play. 2. A match organiser may authorise matches to be played with fewer than 15 players in each team. 3. A team may make an objection to the referee about the number of players in their opponents’ team. If a team has too many players, the referee orders the captain of that team to reduce the number appropriately. The score at the time of the objection remains unaltered. Sanction: Penalty. 4. For international matches, a union may nominate up to eight replacements. 5. For other matches, the match organiser decides how many replacements may be nominated, up to a maximum of eight. 6. Replacements are made only when the ball is dead and only with the permission of the referee. 7. If a player re-joins or a replacement joins the match without the referee’s permission and the referee believes the player did so to gain an advantage, the player is guilty of misconduct. Sanction: Penalty. 8. The table indicates the minimum number of front-row players by squad size and the minimum replacement obligations. A match organiser may, having taken player welfare into account, amend the minimum number of front-row players in the squad and the minimum replacement obligations at defined levels of the game. Minimum number of front Must be able to replace at Squad size row players in the squad the first time of asking 15 or fewer 3 - 16, 17 or 18 4 Either a prop or a hooker 19, 20, 21 or 22 5 Both a prop and a hooker Loose-head prop, tight- 23 6 head prop and hooker LAWS OF THE GAME RUGBY UNION 2024 31  LAW 3 Team 9. Where the match organiser has determined squad sizes of 23 and a team is able to nominate only two front-row replacements, then that team may nominate only 22 players in their squad. 10. Prior to the match, each team must advise the appropriate match official of their front-row players and possible front-row replacements and which position(s) in the front row they can play. Only these players may play in the front row when the scrum is contested and only in their designated position(s). 11. A replacement front-row player may start the match in another position. 12. It is a team’s responsibility to ensure that all front-row players and front-row replacements are suitably trained and experienced. UNCONTESTED SCRUMS 13. Scrums will become uncontested if either team cannot field a suitably trained front row or if the referee so orders. 14. A match organiser may stipulate the conditions under which a game may start with uncontested scrums. 15. Uncontested scrums as a result of a sending off, temporary suspension or injury must be played with eight players per side. 16. When a front-row player leaves the playing area, whether through injury or temporary or permanent suspension, the referee enquires at the next scrum whether the team can continue with contested scrums. If the referee is informed that the team will not be able to contest the scrum, then the referee orders uncontested scrums. If the player returns or another front-row player comes on, then contested scrums may resume. 17. 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. 18. Only when no replacement front-row player is available is any other player permitted to play in the front row. 32 WORLD RUGBY LAW 3 Team 19. If a front-row player is temporarily suspended, and the team cannot continue with contested scrums with players already on the field, then the team nominates another player to leave the playing area to enable an available front- row player to come on. The nominated player may not return until the period of suspension ends, or to act as a replacement. 20. If a front-row player is sent off, and the team cannot continue with contested scrums with players already on the field, then the team nominates another player to leave the playing area to enable an available front-row player to come on. The nominated player may act as a replacement. PERMANENT REPLACEMENT 21. A player may be replaced if injured. An injured player may not return once replaced. 22. A player is deemed to be injured if: a. At national representative level, it is the opinion of a doctor that it would be inadvisable for the player to continue. b. In other matches, where a match organiser has given explicit permission, it is the opinion of a medically trained person that it would be inadvisable for the player to continue. If none is present, that player may be replaced if the referee agrees. c. The referee decides (with or without medical advice) that it would be inadvisable for the player to continue. The referee orders that player to leave the playing area. 23. The referee may also order an injured player to leave the playing area to be medically examined. PERMANENT REPLACEMENT - RECOGNISE AND REMOVE 24. If, at any point during a match, a player is concussed or has suspected concussion, that player must be immediately and permanently removed from the playing area. This process is known as “Recognise and Remove”. LAWS OF THE GAME RUGBY UNION 2024 33  LAW 3 Team TEMPORARY REPLACEMENT - BLOOD INJURY 25. When a player has a blood injury, that player leaves the field of play and may be temporarily replaced. The injured player returns to play as soon as the bleeding has been controlled and/or covered. If the player is not available to return to the field of play within 15 minutes (actual time) of leaving the playing area, the replacement becomes permanent. 26. In international matches, the match-day doctor decides whether an injury is a blood injury necessitating a temporary replacement. In matches which have been approved in advance by World Rugby for use of the HIA process, the game cannot restart until the player with the blood injury has been temporarily replaced. TEMPORARY REPLACEMENT - HEAD INJURY ASSESSMENT (HIA) 27. In matches which have been approved in advance by World Rugby for use of the HIA process, a player who requires an HIA: a. Leaves the field of play; and b. Is temporarily replaced (even if all the replacements have been used). The game cannot restart until the player who requires an HIA has been temporarily replaced. If the player is not available to return to the field of play after 12 minutes (actual time) of leaving the playing area, the replacement becomes permanent. TEMPORARY REPLACEMENTS - ALL 28. A temporary replacement can be temporarily replaced (even if all replacements have been used). 29. If a temporary replacement is injured, that player may also be replaced. 30. If a temporary replacement is sent off, the originally replaced player is not permitted to return to the playing area, except to comply Law 3.19 or 3.20, and only if the player has been medically cleared to do so and does so within the required time of leaving the field of play. 34 WORLD RUGBY LAW 3 Team 31. If the temporary replacement is temporarily suspended, the replaced player is not permitted to return to the field of play until after the period of suspension, except to comply with Law 3.19 or 3.20, and only if the player has been medically cleared to do so and does so within the required time of leaving the field of play. 32. If the time allowed for a temporary replacement elapses during half-time, the replacement shall become permanent unless the replaced player returns to the field of play immediately at the start of the second half. TACTICAL REPLACEMENTS JOINING THE MATCH 33. Tactically replaced players may return to play only when replacing: a. An injured front-row player. b. A player with a blood injury. c. A player with a head injury. d. A player who has just been injured as a result of foul play (as verified by the match officials). e. The nominated player described in Law 3.19 or 3.20. ROLLING REPLACEMENTS 34. A match organiser may implement rolling tactical replacements at defined levels of the game within its jurisdiction. The number of interchanges must not exceed 12. The administration and rules relating to rolling replacements are the responsibility of the match organiser. LAWS OF THE GAME RUGBY UNION 2024 35  LAW 4 Players’ clothing 1. All items of clothing must comply with World Rugby Regulation 12. 2. A player wears a jersey, shorts and underwear, socks and boots. The sleeve of a jersey must extend at least half-way from the shoulder point to the elbow. 3. Additional items are permitted. These are: a. Washable supports made of elasticated or compressible materials. b. Shin guards. c. Ankle supports worn under socks, not extending higher than one third of the length of the shin and, if rigid, from material other than metal. d. Mitts (fingerless gloves). e. Shoulder pads or approved chest pads. f. Mouth guard or dental protector. g. Headgear. h. Bandages, dressings, thin tape or other similar material. i. Goggles. j. Studs, including those of moulded rubber, on the soles of their boots. k. Cotton blend long tights or leggings, with single inside leg seam under their shorts and socks. l. Headscarves or coverings, providing they do not cause a danger to the wearer or other players. m. Player monitoring devices 4. A player may not wear: a. Any item contaminated by blood. b. Any sharp or abrasive item. c. Any items containing buckles, clips, rings, hinges, zippers, screws, bolts or rigid material or projection not otherwise permitted under this law. d. Jewellery. e. Gloves. f. Shorts or leggings with padding sewn into them. g. Any item that is normally permitted in law but, in the referee’s opinion, is liable to cause injury. h. Communication devices. 36 WORLD RUGBY LAW 4 Players’ clothing 5. The referee has the power to decide at any time that part of a player’s clothing is dangerous or illegal. In this case, the referee must order the player to remove the item. The player must not take part in the match until the item is removed or rendered harmless. 6. If, at an inspection before the match, a match official tells a player that an item banned under this law is being worn and the player is subsequently found to be wearing that item on the playing area, that player is sent off for misconduct. Sanction: Penalty. 7. The referee must not allow any player to leave the playing area to change items of clothing, unless they are bloodstained. World Rugby Regulation 12 can be found at: https://playerwelfare.worldrugby.org/reg12 LAWS OF THE GAME RUGBY UNION 2024 37  LAW 5 Time 1. A match lasts no longer than 80 minutes (split into two halves, each of not more than 40 minutes plus time lost), unless the match organiser has authorised the playing of extra-time in a drawn match within a knock-out competition. 2. Half-time consists of an interval not exceeding 15 minutes as decided by the match organiser. During this time, the teams and match officials may leave the playing enclosure. 3. In non-international matches, the match organiser may decide to reduce the length of a match. If the match organiser does not decide, the teams agree on the length of a match. If they cannot agree, the referee decides. 4. The referee keeps the time but may delegate the duty to either or both assistant referees and/or an official time-keeper, in which case the referee signals to them any stoppage. In matches without an official time-keeper, if the referee is in doubt as to the correct time, the referee consults either or both the assistant referees and may consult others but only if the assistant referees cannot help. 5. The referee may stop play and allow time for: a. Player injury for up to one minute. If a player is seriously injured, the referee has the discretion to allow more than one minute for that player to be removed from the playing area. b. Consultation with other officials. 6. Once the ball is already dead, the referee may allow time for: a. Replacement of players. b. Replacing or repairing players’ clothing. c. Re-tying a boot-lace. d. Retrieving the ball. 38 WORLD RUGBY LAW 5 Time 7. A half ends when the ball becomes dead after time has expired unless: a. A scrum, lineout or restart kick following a try or touchdown, awarded before time expired, has not been completed and the ball has not returned to open play. This includes when the scrum, lineout or restart kick is taken incorrectly. b. The referee awards a free-kick or penalty. c. A penalty is kicked into touch without the ball first being tapped and without the ball touching another player. d. A try has been scored, in which case the referee allows time for the conversion to be taken. 8. A team scoring a try may attempt the conversion or may decline it. a. The decision to decline the conversion must be relayed by the try scorer to the referee by saying “no kick” after the try is awarded. b. Provided the conversion is attempted or declined before time elapses, the referee will award a restart kick. c. If the conversion is attempted, time is taken from the strike on the ball. 9. When weather conditions are exceptionally hot and/or humid, the referee has the discretion to allow for a water break. This one-minute break should be taken midway through the half, after a score or when the ball is dead near the half- way line. 10. The referee has the power to end or suspend the match at any time if the referee believes that it would be unsafe to continue. LAWS OF THE GAME RUGBY UNION 2024 39  LAW 6 Match officials PRINCIPLE Every match is under the control of match officials who consist of the referee and two touch judges or assistant referees. Additional persons, as authorised by the match organisers may include the reserve referee and/or reserve assistant referee, the television match official, the time-keeper, the match doctor, the team doctors, the non-playing members of the teams and the ball persons. Assistant referees and touch judges are responsible for signalling touch, touch in-goal and the success or otherwise of kicks at goal. In addition, assistant referees provide assistance as the referee directs, including the reporting of foul play. APPOINTMENT OF THE REFEREE 1. The referee is appointed by the match organiser. If no referee has been appointed, the two teams agree upon a referee. If they cannot agree, the home team appoints a referee. 2. If the referee is unable to complete the match, the referee’s replacement is appointed according to the instructions of the match organiser. If the match organiser has given no instructions, the referee appoints a replacement. If the referee cannot do so, the home team appoints a replacement. DUTIES OF THE REFEREE BEFORE THE MATCH 3. The referee organises the toss. One of the captains tosses a coin and the other captain calls. The winner of the toss decides whether to kick off or to choose an end. If the winner of the toss decides to choose an end, the opponents must kick off and vice versa. 4. The match officials must inspect the players’ clothing and studs for conformity to Law 4. 40 WORLD RUGBY LAW 6 Match officials DUTIES OF THE REFEREE DURING A MATCH 5. Within the playing enclosure: a. The referee is the sole judge of fact and of law during a match. The referee must apply the laws of the game fairly in every match. b. The referee keeps the time. However, the match organiser may appoint a time-keeper who will signify the end of each half. c. The referee keeps the score. 6. The referee permits access to the playing area for players and replacements, when it is safe to do so. 7. The referee gives permission for players to leave the playing area. However, a player may access water from their technical area, or from behind the dead ball line after a try has been awarded, without needing permission. THE WHISTLE 8. The referee carries a whistle and blows it: a. To indicate the beginning and the end of each half of the match. b. To stop play. The referee has the power to stop play at any time. c. To indicate a score or a touch down. d. To caution or send off an offender and a second time when the penalty or penalty try is awarded. e. When the ball becomes dead, other than after a failed conversion kick. f. When the ball becomes unplayable. g. When a penalty, free-kick or scrum is awarded. h. When it would be dangerous to let play continue or when it is suspected that a player is seriously injured. LAWS OF THE GAME RUGBY UNION 2024 41  LAW 6 Match officials THE BALL BECOMES DEAD 9. The referee will deem the ball to be dead when: a. The ball is in touch or touch in-goal. b. The ball is grounded in in-goal. c. A conversion has been attempted. d. A try, penalty or dropped goal has been scored. e. The ball or ball-carrier touches the dead-ball line or anything beyond it. f. The ball hits anything above the playing area. THE BALL OR BALL-CARRIER TOUCHES THE REFEREE OR NON-PLAYER 10. If the ball or the ball-carrier touches the referee or other non-player and neither team gains an advantage, play continues. If either team gains an advantage in the field of play, a scrum is awarded to the team that last played the ball. 11. If the ball-carrier touches the referee or other non-player in in-goal and either team gains an advantage: a. If the ball is in possession of an attacking player, the referee awards a try where the contact took place. b. If the ball is in possession of a defending player, the referee awards a touch down where the contact took place. 12. If the ball is touched by the referee or other non-player in in-goal, the referee judges what would have happened next and awards a try or a touch down at the place where the contact took place. INTERACTION BETWEEN THE REFEREE AND ASSISTANT REFEREES / TOUCH JUDGES 13. The referee may consult with assistant referees about matters relating to their duties, the law relating to foul play and timekeeping, and may request assistance related to other aspects of the referee’s duties. 14. The referee may alter a decision after a touch judge or an assistant referee has raised the flag to signal touch, touch-in-goal or an assistant referee has signalled foul play. 42 WORLD RUGBY LAW 6 Match officials TELEVISION MATCH OFFICIAL 15. A match organiser may appoint a television match official (TMO), who uses technological devices to clarify situations relating to: a. The grounding of the ball in in-goal. b. Touch or touch-in-goal in the act of grounding the ball or the ball being made dead. c. Where there is doubt as to whether a kick at goal has been successful. d. Where match officials believe an infringement may have occurred in the playing area leading to a try or preventing a try. e. Foul play, including sanctions. 16. Any of the match officials, including the TMO, may recommend a review by the TMO. The reviews will take place in accordance with the TMO protocol which is available at https://www.world.rugby/the-game/laws/law/6 DUTIES OF THE REFEREE AFTER A MATCH 17. The referee communicates the score to the teams and to the match organiser. 18. If a player was sent off, the referee gives the match organiser a written report on the foul play infringement as soon as possible. APPOINTING AND CONTROLLING ASSISTANT REFEREES AND TOUCH JUDGES 19. There are two assistant referees or two touch judges for every match. Unless they have been appointed by or under the authority of the match organiser, each team provides a touch judge. 20. The match organiser may nominate a person to act as a replacement for the assistant referees or touch judges. This person is called the reserve touch judge or reserve assistant referee and is situated in the perimeter area. 21. The referee has control over the assistant referees or touch judges. The referee may tell them what their duties are and may overrule their decisions. If a touch judge is unsatisfactory, the referee may ask that the touch judge be replaced. If the referee believes a touch judge is guilty of misconduct, the referee has the power to send the touch judge off and make a report to the match organiser. LAWS OF THE GAME RUGBY UNION 2024 43  LAW 6 Match officials DURING THE MATCH 22. There is one assistant referee or touch judge on each side of the ground. The assistant referee or touch judge remains in touch except when judging a kick at goal. When judging a kick at goal they stand in in-goal, behind the goal posts. 23. An assistant referee may enter the playing area to report foul play. This may be done only at the next stoppage in play and when the referee allows. SIGNALS 24. Each assistant referee or touch judge carries a flag or something similar with which to signal decisions. 25. Signalling the result of kicks at goal: One assistant referee or touch judge stands at or behind each goal post. If the ball goes over the crossbar and between the posts, they raise the flags to indicate a goal. 26. Signalling touch: a. When the ball or the ball-carrier has gone into touch or touch-in-goal, the assistant referee or touch judge holds up the flag. b. The assistant referee or touch judge stands at the place of the throw and points to the team entitled to throw in. c. When the ball is thrown in, the assistant referee or touch judge lowers the flag, with the following exceptions: i. When the player throwing in puts any part of either foot in the field of play. ii. When the team not entitled to throw in has done so. iii. When, at a quick throw, the ball that went into touch is replaced by another ball or, after it went into touch, it was touched by anyone except the ball-carrier who took it into touch or the player who takes the throw. d. It is for the referee, and not the assistant referee or touch judge, to decide whether the ball was thrown in from the correct place. 44 WORLD RUGBY LAW 6 Match officials 27. Signalling foul play: a. A match organiser may give authority to the assistant referee to signal for foul play. b. An assistant referee signals that foul play or misconduct has been seen by holding the flag horizontally and pointing infield at right angles to the touchline. c. If an assistant referee signals foul play, the assistant referee stays in touch and continues to carry out all the other duties until the next stoppage in play. d. At the invitation of the referee the assistant referee may then enter the playing area to report the offence to the referee. The referee will then take appropriate action. e. If an assistant referee’s verbal report to the referee leads to a player being sent off, the assistant referee submits a written report about the incident to the referee as soon as possible after the match and the referee provides it to the match organiser. ADDITIONAL PERSONS Any additional person who fails to adhere to the Laws may be cautioned or sent off and misconduct charges may be issued by the Match organiser. 28. Appropriately trained and accredited first-aid or immediate (pitch-side) care persons may enter the playing area to attend to injured players at any time it is safe to do so. a. There may be up to two medics, one on either side of the pitch, who may follow play. b. These medics can only carry and provide water to a player that they are treating. c. Medics cannot field, or touch a ball while it is in live play. Sanction: Penalty where play would restart. LAWS OF THE GAME RUGBY UNION 2024 45  LAW 6 Match officials 29. The following may enter the playing area provided they do not interfere with play: a. Two nominated water carriers during a stoppage in play for an injury to a player or when a try has been scored. (Note: the hot weather guidelines may warrant a one minute break per half.) i. In matches with a squad size of 23, water carriers may only enter when a try is scored – the scoring side to an area on/near the 10m line in their own half. The non-scoring side, can take water into in-goal or retrieve from behind the dead-ball line. The water carriers must leave when the conversion is taken. ii. At a penalty try, no water carriers may enter the field. iii. Only when no tries are scored should a natural stoppage, in a neutral place on the pitch, be used to allow players to receive water. Where this coincides with an injury, water-carriers must leave the pitch as the medic leaves the pitch. iv. Players may access water in the Technical zone and from behind their own dead ball line. If water is left in-goal this privilege will be removed. v. A water carrier must not be a Head Coach or Director of Rugby. b. A person carrying only a kicking tee and one water bottle, (solely for the kicker’s use) after a team has indicated they intend to kick at goal, or a try has been scored. c. The coaches attending to their teams at half-time. d. These additional persons must remain in their technical area at all times before entering the field of play as permitted above. They must not field or touch the ball while it is in live play, including while in the technical area. Sanction: Penalty where play would restart. 30. No additional persons should approach, address or aim comments at the match officials, except for medics in relation to the treatment of a player. 31. The management of replacements may be delegated to sideline managers appointed by the match organiser. Information relating to sideline management can be found at: https://officiating.worldrugby.org 46 WORLD RUGBY LAW 7 Advantage PRINCIPLE If a team gains an advantage following an infringement by their opponents, the referee may allow play to continue in an effort to keep the game flowing. 1. Advantage: a. May be tactical. The non-offending team is free to play the ball as they wish. b. May be territorial. Play has moved towards the offending team’s dead-ball line. c. May be a combination of tactical and territorial. d. Must be clear and real. A mere opportunity to gain an advantage is not sufficient. 2. Advantage ends when: a. The referee deems that the non-offending team has gained an advantage. The referee allows play to continue; or b. The referee deems that the non-offending team is unlikely to gain an advantage. The referee stops the game and applies the sanction for the infringement from which advantage was being played; or c. The non-offending team commits an infringement before they have gained an advantage. The referee stops the game and applies the sanction for the first infringement. If either or both infringements are for foul play, the referee applies the appropriate sanction(s) for the offence(s); or d. The offending team commits a second or subsequent infringement from which no advantage can be gained. The referee stops play and allows the captain of the non-offending team to choose the most advantageous sanction. LAWS OF THE GAME RUGBY UNION 2024 47  LAW 7 Advantage 3. Advantage must not be applied and the referee must blow the whistle immediately when: a. The ball or a player in possession of the ball, touches the referee and an advantage is gained by either side. b. The ball comes out of either end of the tunnel at a scrum. c. A scrum is wheeled through more than 90 degrees. d. A player in a scrum is lifted or forced upwards so that the player is no longer in contact with the ground. e. A quick throw, free-kick or penalty is taken incorrectly. f. The ball is made dead. g. It would be dangerous to let play continue. h. It is suspected that a player is seriously injured. 48 WORLD RUGBY LAW 8 Scoring 1. Methods and points value of scoring: a. Try. Five points. b. Conversion. Two points. c. Penalty try. Seven points. d. Penalty goal. Three points. e. Dropped goal. Three points. TRY 2. A try is scored when an attacking player: a. Is first to ground the ball in the opponents’ in-goal. b. Is first to ground the ball when a scrum, ruck or maul reaches the goal line. c. With the ball is tackled short of the goal line and the player’s momentum carries them in a continuous movement along the ground into the opponents’ in-goal, and the player is first to ground the ball. d. Is tackled near to the opponents’ goal line and the player immediately reaches out and grounds the ball. e. Who is in touch or touch-in-goal, grounds the ball in the opponents’ in-goal provided the player is not holding the ball. Grounding the ball LAWS OF THE GAME RUGBY UNION 2024 49  LAW 8 Scoring Dead-ball line Touch Touch-in- Goal li goal ne Goal line In-goal Scoring a try - when a scrum Scoring a try - a player in touch-in-goal reaches the goal line who is not holding the ball PENALTY TRY 3. A penalty try is awarded between the goal posts if foul play by the opposing team prevents a probable try from being scored, or scored in a more advantageous position. A player guilty of this must be cautioned and temporarily suspended or sent off. No conversion is attempted. CONVERSION, PENALTY GOAL AND DROPPED GOAL 4. For any goal to be successful, the ball must be kicked over the crossbar and between the goal posts without first touching a team-mate or the ground. 5. If the ball goes over the crossbar and over the height of the goal posts, the kick is successful if it is deemed that the ball would have gone between the goal posts had they been taller. 6. If the ball has crossed the crossbar and the wind blows it back into the field of play, the score stands. 50 WORLD RUGBY LAW 8 Scoring CONVERSION 7. When a try is scored, it gives that team the right to attempt a conversion, which may be a place-kick or drop-kick. 8. The kicker: a. Uses the ball that was in play unless it is defective. b. Takes the kick in the field of play on a line through the place where the try was awarded, parallel to the touchlines. c. Places the ball directly on the ground or on sand, sawdust, or a kicking tee. The kicker may be assisted by a placer. Nothing else may be used to assist the kicker. d. Takes the kick within 90 seconds (playing time) from the time the try was awarded, even if the ball rolls over and has to be placed again. Sanction: Kick is disallowed. 9. The kicker’s team, apart from a team-mate holding the ball, stay behind the ball when it is kicked and do nothing to mislead their opponents into charging too soon. Sanction: Kick is disallowed. 10. If the ball falls over before the kicker begins the approach to kick, the referee permits the kicker to replace it. While the ball is replaced, the opponents remain behind their goal line. 11. If the ball falls over after the kicker begins the approach to kick, the kicker may then kick or attempt a dropped goal. 12. If the ball falls over and rolls away from the line through the place where the try was awarded and the kicker then kicks the ball over the crossbar, the conversion is successful. 13. If the ball falls over and rolls into touch after the kicker begins the approach to kick, the kick is disallowed. LAWS OF THE GAME RUGBY UNION 2024 51  LAW 8 Scoring THE OPPOSING TEAM AT A CONVERSION 14. All players retire to their goal line and do not overstep that line until the kicker moves in any direction to begin their approach to kick. When the kicker does this, they may charge or jump to prevent a goal but must not be physically supported by other players in these actions. 15. The team must not shout during a conversion attempt. Sanction: If the opposing team at a conversion attempt infringes but the kick is successful, the goal stands. If the kick is unsuccessful, the kicker retakes the conversion and the opposing team is not allowed to charge. When another kick is allowed, the kicker may repeat all the preparations. The kicker may change the type of kick. 16. If the ball falls over after the kicker begins the approach to kick, the opponents may continue to charge. 17. If the opposition touches the ball and the kick is successful, the goal stands. PENALTY GOAL 18. A penalty goal can be scored only from a penalty. 19. The kicking team must indicate their intention to kick for goal without delay. 20. If the team indicates to the referee the intention to kick at goal, they must kick at goal. The intention to kick can be communicated to the referee or signalled by the arrival of the kicking tee or sand, or when the player makes a mark on the ground. 21. The kick must be taken within 60 seconds (playing time) from the time the team indicated their intention to do so, even if the ball rolls over and has to be placed again. Sanction: Kick is disallowed and a scrum is awarded. 22. If the kicker indicates to the referee the intent to kick at goal, the opposing team must stand still with their hands by their sides from the time the kicker starts to approach to kick until the ball is kicked. 23. If the kicker has not indicated an intention to kick at goal but takes a drop-kick and scores a goal, the goal stands. 24. The kicker places the ball directly on the ground or on sand, sawdust, or a kicking tee. The kicker may be assisted by a placer. Nothing else may be used to assist the kicker. Sanction: Scrum. 52 WORLD RUGBY LAW 8 Scoring 25. Any player who intentionally touches the ball in an attempt to prevent a penalty goal being scored is illegally touching the ball. 26. A defending player must not shout during a penalty kick at goal. 27. If the opposing team infringes while the kick is being taken but the kick at goal is successful, the goal stands and a further penalty is not awarded. If the kick is unsuccessful, the non-offending team is awarded a penalty 10 metres in front of the original mark. Sanction: Penalty. DROPPED GOAL 28. A player scores a dropped goal by kicking a goal from a drop-kick in open play. 29. The team awarded a free-kick (including where they opt for a scrum or lineout instead) cannot score a dropped goal until the ball next becomes dead or until an opponent has played the ball, has touched it or has tackled the ball-carrier. Any such kick is deemed to be unsuccessful and play continues. LAWS OF THE GAME RUGBY UNION 2024 53  LAW 9 Foul play PRINCIPLE A player who commits foul play must either be cautioned or temporarily suspended or sent off. OBSTRUCTION 1. When a player and an opponent are running for the ball, neither player may charge or push the other except shoulder-to-shoulder. 2. An offside player must not intentionally obstruct an opponent or interfere with play. 3. A player must not intentionally prevent an opponent from tackling or attempting to tackle the ball-carrier. 4. A player must not intentionally prevent an opponent from having the opportunity to play the ball, other than by competing for possession. 5. A ball-carrier must not intentionally run into an off-side team-mate to obstruct the opposition. 6. A player must not obstruct, or in any way interfere with an opponent while the ball is dead. Sanction: Penalty. UNFAIR PLAY 7. A player must not: a. Intentionally infringe any law of the game. b. Intentionally knock, place, push or throw the ball with arm or hand from the playing area. c. Do anything that may lead the match officials to consider that an opponent has committed an infringement. Sanction: Penalty. d. Waste time. Sanction: Free-kick. 54 WORLD RUGBY LAW 9 Foul play REPEATED INFRINGEMENTS 8. A team must not repeatedly commit the same offence. 9. A player must not repeatedly infringe the laws. Sanction: Penalty. 10. When different players of the same team repeatedly commit the same offence, the referee gives a general caution to the team and if they then repeat the offence, the referee temporarily suspends the guilty player(s). DANGEROUS PLAY 11. Players must not do anything that is reckless or dangerous to others including leading with the elbow or forearm, or jumping into, or over, a tackler. 12. A player must not physically or verbally abuse anyone. Physical abuse includes, but is not limited to, biting, punching, contact with the eye or eye area, striking with any part of the arm, shoulder, head or knee(s), stamping, trampling, tripping or kicking. 13. A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously. Dangerous tackling includes, but is not limited to, tackling or attempting to tackle an opponent above the line of the shoulders even if the tackle starts below the line of the shoulders. 14. A player must not tackle an opponent who is not in possession of the ball. 15. Except in a scrum, ruck or maul, a player who is not in possession of the ball must not hold, push, charge or obstruct an opponent not in possession of the ball. 16. A player must not charge or knock down an opponent carrying the ball without attempting to grasp that player. 17. A player must not tackle, charge, pull, push or grasp an opponent whose feet are off the ground. 18. A player must not lift an opponent off the ground and drop or drive that player so that their head and/or upper body make contact with the ground. LAWS OF THE GAME RUGBY UNION 2024 55  LAW 9 Foul play 19. Dangerous play in a scrum. a. The front row of a scrum must not form at a distance from its opponents and rush against them. b. A front-row player must not pull an opponent. c. A front-row player must not intentionally lift an opponent off their feet or force the opponent upwards out of the scrum. d. A front-row player must not intentionally collapse a scrum. 20. Dangerous play in a ruck or maul. a. A player must not charge into a ruck or maul. Charging includes any contact made without binding onto another player in the ruck or maul. b. A player must not make contact with an opponent above the line of the shoulders. c. A player must not intentionally collapse a ruck or a maul. d. A player may lever the jackler out of the contest at the ruck but must not drop their weight onto them or target the lower limbs. 21. A player must not retaliate. 22. Teams must not use the ‘flying wedge’. 23. A player must not attempt to kick the ball from the hands of the ball-carrier. 24. A ball-carrier is permitted to hand off an opponent provided excessive force is not used. Sanction: Penalty. 56 WORLD RUGBY LAW 9 Foul play d e b c a Late charging the kicker 25. A player must not intentionally charge or obstruct an opponent who has just kicked the ball. Sanction: Penalty. The non-offending team chooses to take the penalty either: a At the place of the infringement; or b Where the ball lands or is next played but not nearer than 15 metres from the touchline; or c If the ball is kicked directly into touch, on the 15-metre line in line with where the ball crossed the touchline; or d If the ball lands in in-goal, touch-in-goal or on or over the dead-ball line, five metres from the goal line in line with where the ball crossed the goal line and at least 15 metres from the touchline; or e If the ball hits a goal post or crossbar, where the ball lands. 26. In open play, any player may lift or support a team-mate. Players who do so must lower that player to the ground safely as soon as the ball is won by either team. Sanction: Free-kick. LAWS OF THE GAME RUGBY UNION 2024 57  LAW 9 Foul play MISCONDUCT 27. A player must not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. 28. Players must respect the authority of the referee. They must not dispute the referee’s decisions. They must stop playing immediately when the referee blows the whistle to stop play. Sanction: Penalty. YELLOW AND RED CARDS 29. When a player is being cautioned and suspended for 10 minutes, the referee will show that player a yellow card. If that player later commits another yellow-card offence, the player must be sent off. 30. When a player is being sent off, the referee will show that player a red card and the player will take no further part in the match. A player sent off may not be replaced. 58 WORLD RUGBY LAW 10 Offside and onside in open play PRINCIPLE The game is played only by players who are onside. OFFSIDE AND ONSIDE IN OPEN PLAY 1. A player is offside in open play if that player is in front of a team-mate who is carrying the ball or who last played it. An offside player must not interfere with play. This includes: a. Playing the ball. b. Tackling the ball-carrier. c. Preventing the opposition from playing as they wish. 2. A player can be offside anywhere in the playing area. 3. A player who receives an unintentional throw forward is not offside. 4. An offside player may be penalised, if that player: a. Interferes with play; or b. Moves forwards towards the ball; or c. Was in front of a team-mate who kicked the ball and fails to retire immediately behind an onside team-mate or an imaginary line across the field 10 metres on that player’s side from where the ball is caught or lands, even if it hits a goal post or crossbar first. If this involves more than one player, then the player closest to where the ball lands or is caught is the one penalised. This is known as the 10-metre law and still applies if the ball touches or is played by an opponent but not when the kick is charged down. Sanction: The non-offending team can choose either: i. Penalty at the place of infringement; or ii. Scrum where the offending team last played the ball. 5. A player is accidentally offside if the player cannot avoid being touched by the ball or by a team-mate who is carrying the ball. Only if the offending team gains an advantage should play stop. Sanction: Scrum. LAWS OF THE GAME RUGBY UNION 2024 59  LAW 10 Offside and onside in open play 6. Any offside player can be put onside when that player: a. Moves behind a team-mate who last played the ball; or b. Moves behind a team-mate who is onside. 7. Other than under Law 10.4c, an offside player can be put onside when: a. An onside team-mate of that player moves past the offside player and is within or has re-entered the playing area. b. An opponent of that player: i. Carries the ball five metres; or ii. Passes the ball; or iii. Kicks the ball; or iv. Intentionally touches the ball without gaining possession of it. 8. A player offside under Law 10.4c cannot be put onside by any action of an opponent, apart from a charge down. Offside player Offside Offside Yellow team player player Kicker - direction of Onside play player Offside player runs Team-mate with Team-mate kicks, runs ahead or behind ballcarrier ball runs ahead another onside team-mate runs ahead Player made onside by team-mate 60 WORLD RUGBY LAW 10 Offside and onside in open play Red team - direction of play Yellow team - direction of play Opponent runs five metres Opponent kicks Opponent intentionally with ball or passes touches ball Player put onside by opponents RETIRING FROM A RUCK, MAUL, SCRUM OR LINEOUT 9. A player who is offside at a ruck, maul, scrum or lineout remains offside, even after the ruck, maul, scrum or lineout has ended. 10. The player can be put onside only if: a. That player immediately retires behind the applicable offside line; or b. An opposition player carries the ball five metres in any direction; or c. An opposition player kicks the ball. 11. An offside player may be penalised if that player: a. Fails to retire without undue delay and benefits from being put onside in a more advantageous position; or b. Interferes with play; or c. Moves towards the ball. Sanction: Penalty. LAWS OF THE GAME RUGBY UNION 2024 61  LAW 11 Knock-on or throw forward KNOCK-ON 1. A knock-­on may occur anywhere in the playing area. 2. It is a knock-on when a player, in tackling or attempting to tackle an opponent, makes contact with the ball and the ball goes forward. Sanction: Scrum (if the ball goes into touch, the non-offending team may opt instead for a quick-throw or lineout). 3. A player must not intentionally knock the ball forward with hand or arm. Sanction: Penalty. 4. It is not an intentional knock-on if, in the act of trying to catch the ball, the player knocks on provided that there was a reasonable expectation that the player could gain possession. 5. The ball is not knocked-on, and play continues, if: a. A player knocks the ball forward immediately after an opponent has kicked it (charge down). b. A player rips or knocks the ball from an opponent and the ball goes forward from the opponent’s hand or arm. Knock-on Charge down THROW FORWARD 6. A throw forward may occur anywhere in the playing area. Sanction: Scrum. 7. A player must not intentionally throw or pass the ball forward. Sanction: Penalty. 62 WORLD RUGBY LAW 12 Kick-off and restart kicks PRINCIPLE Kick-offs are used to start each half of the match or period of extra-time. Restart kicks are used to resume play. 1. All kick-offs and restart kicks are drop kicks. Sanction: The non-kicking team has the option of the kick being retaken or a scrum. Half-way line 10m Kick-off LAWS OF THE GAME RUGBY UNION 2024 63  LAW 12 Kick-off and restart kicks KICK-OFFS AND RESTART KICKS FOLLOWING A SCORE 2. Kick-offs are taken on or behind the centre of the half-way line. Sanction: The non-kicking team has the option of the kick being retaken or a scrum. 3. The opponents of the team who kicked off the match start the second half. 4. After a team has scored, their opponents restart play on or behind the centre of the half-way line. Sanction: The non-kicking team has the option of the kick being retaken or a scrum. 5. When the ball is kicked: a. Team-mates of the kicker must be behind the ball. Sanction: Scrum. b. Opposition players must be on or behind the 10-metre line. Sanction: The kick is retaken. 6. The ball must reach the 10-metre line. Sanction: The non-kicking team has the option of the kick being retaken or a scrum. 7. If the ball reaches the 10-metre line but is then blown back or if an opponent plays the ball before it reaches the 10-metre line, play continues. 8. If the ball goes directly into touch, the non-kicking team chooses one of the following: a. The kick being retaken. b. Scrum. c. Lineout. d. Quick-throw. 9. If the ball is kicked into the opponents’ in-goal without touching any player and an opponent grounds the ball without delay or it goes dead through in-goal, the non-kicking team has the option of having the kick retaken or a scrum. 10. If the ball is kicked into the kicking team’s own in-goal and is made dead by a defending player or it goes dead through in-goal, the non-kicking team is awarded a five-metre scrum. 64 WORLD RUGBY LAW 12 Kick-off and restart kicks OTHER RESTART KICKS (DROP-OUTS) 11. Play is restarted with a 22-metre drop-out when an unsuccessful penalty goal or dropped goal attempt is grounded or made dead in in-goal by the defending team, or the ball goes dead through in-goal from one these attempts. 12. Play is restarted with a goal line drop-out when: a. The ball is played or taken into in-goal by an attacking player and is then held up, grounded or otherwise made legally dead by an opponent. b. An attacking kick, other than a kick-off, restart kick following a score, drop goal, drop-out or penalty attempt, is grounded or made dead in in-goal by the defending team. c. An attacking player knocks on in the opponents’ in-goal. Type of restart kick: 22-metre drop out Location of kick: On or behind the defending team’s 22-metre line. Sanction line: The 22-metre line. Type of restart kick: Goal line drop-out Location of kick: On or behind the defending team’s goal line. Sanction line: The five-metre line. 13. A drop-out: a. Is taken at the location specified in the table. Sanction: Scrum. b. Must be taken without delay. Sanction: Free-kick. c. Must cross the sanction line as specified in the table. Sanction: The non- kicking team has the option of the kick being retaken or a scrum. d. Must not go directly into touch. Sanction: The opposing team chooses one of the following: i. The drop-out being retaken; or ii. A scrum; or iii. A lineout; or iv. A quick-throw. 14. An opponent must not advance in front of the sanction line before the ball is kicked. Sanction: Free-kick. LAWS OF THE GAME RUGBY UNION 2024 65  LAW 12 Kick-off and restart kicks 15. An opponent, who is in front of the sanction line, may not delay or obstruct the drop-out. Sanction: Penalty. 16. If the ball crosses the sanction line but is then blown back, play continues. 17. If the ball does not cross the sanction line, advantage may apply. 18. If a drop-out reaches the opponents’ in-goal without touching any player and an opponent grounds the ball without delay or it goes into touch-in-goal or on or over the dead-ball line, the non-kicking team has the option of having the kick retaken or a scrum. 19. The team-mates of the kicker must be behind the ball when it is kicked. Those who are in front of the ball when it is kicked may be sanctioned unless they retire and do not interfere with play until they are put onside by the actions of a team-mate. Sanction: Scrum. Five-metre line (sanction line) Goal line Goal line drop-out 66 WORLD RUGBY LAW 13 Players on the ground in open play PRINCIPLE The game is played only by players who are on their feet. 1. Players, who go to ground to gather the ball or who go to ground with the ball, must immediately: a. Get up with the ball; or b. Play (but not kick) the ball; or c. Release the ball. Sanction: Penalty. 2. Once the ball is played or released, players on the ground must immediately either move away from the ball or get up. Sanction: Penalty. 3. A player on the ground, in the field of play, without the ball is out of the game and must: a. Allow opponents who are not on the ground to play or gain possession of the ball. b. Not play the ball. c. Not tackle or attempt to tackle an opponent. Sanction: Penalty. 4. Players on their feet and without the ball must not fall on or over players on the ground who have the ball or who are near it. Sanction: Penalty. No player may fall on or over a tackled player LAWS OF THE GAME RUGBY UNION 2024 67  LAW 14 Tackle PRINCIPLE A tackle can take place anywhere in the field of play. The actions of players involved in the tackle must ensure a fair contest and allow the ball to be available for play immediately. Tackle REQUIREMENTS FOR A TACKLE 1. For a tackle to occur, the ball-carrier is held and brought to ground by one or more opponents. 2. Being brought to ground means that the ball-carrier is lying, sitting or has at least one knee on the ground or on another player who is on the ground. 3. Being held means that a tackler must continue holding the ball-carrier until the ball-carrier is on the ground. 68 WORLD RUGBY LAW 14 Tackle PLAYERS IN A TACKLE 4. Players in a tackle are: a. Tackled player. b. Tackler(s). c. Others: i. Player(s) who hold the ball-carrier during a tackle but do not go to ground. ii. Player(s) who arrive to contest possession in the tackle. iii. Player(s) who are already on the ground. PLAYER RESPONSIBILITIES 5. Tacklers must: a. Immediately release the ball and the ball-carrier after both players go to ground. b. Immediately move away from the tackled player and from the ball or get up. c. Be on their feet before attempting to play the ball. d. Allow the tackled player to release or play the ball. e. Allow the tackled player to move away from the ball. Sanction: Penalty. 6. Tacklers may play the ball from the direction of their own goal line provided they have complied with the above responsibilities and a ruck has not formed. 7. Tackled players must immediately: a. Make the ball available so that play can continue by releasing, passing or pushing the ball in any direction except forward. They may place the ball in any direction. b. Move away from the ball or get up. c. Ensure that they do not lie on, over or near the ball to prevent opposition players from gaining possession of it. Sanction: Penalty. LAWS OF THE GAME RUGBY UNION 2024 69  LAW 14 Tackle Tackled player must release the ball immediately 70 WORLD RUGBY LAW 14 Tackle 8. Other players must: a. Remain on their feet and release the ball and the ball-carrier immediately. b. Remain on their feet when they play the ball. c. Arrive at the tackle from the direction of their own goal line before playing the ball. d. Not play the ball or attempt to tackle an opponent while on the ground near the tackle. Sanction: Penalty. After a tackle all of the players must be on their feet when they play the ball Player off feet and playing the ball at the tackle LAWS OF THE GAME RUGBY UNION 2024 71  LAW 14 Tackle Player off feet and playing the ball at the tackle 9. Any player who gains possession of the ball: a. Must play it immediately, by moving away, or by passing or kicking the ball. b. Must remain on their feet, and not go to ground at or near the tackle unless tackled by the opposition. c. May be tackled, provided the tackler does so from the direction of their own goal line. Sanction: Penalty. 72 WORLD RUGBY LAW 14 Tackle 10. Offside lines are created at a tackle when at least one player is on their feet and over the ball, which is on the ground. Each team’s offside line runs parallel to the goal line through the hindmost point of any player in the tackle or on their feet over the ball. If that point is on or behind the goal line, the offside line for that team is the goal line. Offside lines created by player on feet over ball 11. The tackle ends when: a. A ruck is formed. b. A player on their feet from either team gains possession of the ball and moves away or passes or kicks the ball. c. The ball leaves the tackle area. d. The ball is unplayable. If there is doubt about which player did not conform to law, the referee orders a scrum. The throw is taken by the team moving forward prior to the stoppage or, if no team was moving forward, by the