Rules & Regulations
Game On
The Game On Principles may apply as follows:
• Men’s League matches at Counties League 1 and below (formerly Level 7 and below) provided prior approval of the Organising Committee is obtained;
• Women’s League matches at National Challenge 2 and below without further approval; and in non-RFU Competitions (including merit tables and friendlies) without further approval.
Subject in all cases to both teams agreeing which of the Game On Principles will apply to the match, and notifying the Referee accordingly at least 30 minutes prior to kick-off. If both teams cannot agree whether a Game On Principle will apply, the match will proceed without the application of that Game On Principle.
• Law 3.2: Team Numbers
A match can take place with a minimum of 10 players on each team at the start of the match. It is encouraged that the number of players on each team is equal, subject to the laws of the game.
• Law 5.3: Match Duration
A match can be a minimum of 40 minutes in duration.
• Law 3.34: Rolling substitutions
Rolling substitutions are permitted in accordance with regulations 61 and 62 below.
•Law 3.34: Half Game rule
Where rolling substitutions are adopted, teams are encouraged to apply the half game rule to ensure each player in every match day squad plays at least half of the Available Playing Time (as defined in RFU Regulation 1).
• Law 18: Line outs
Teams may agree not to contest or lift in the line out
•Law 19: Scrums
Teams may agree that scrums can be contested push and strike (maximum 1.5m push) or uncontested.
Player Off
If uncontested scrums are ordered by the Referee, as a front row Player is required to be replaced if, having confirmed with the Team Captain (or Team Manager), there is no suitably trained and experienced front row replacement who started the match or from the nominated replacements, the team concerned shall not be entitled to replace the Player whose departure caused the uncontested scrum.
This scenario will likely occur due to:
• Injury (including a temporary blood injury)
• A Player being shown a yellow card or red card
On the return to the field of a front row Player who has been temporarily excluded (blood injury or yellow card), the match shall continue with contested scrums, provided it is safe to do so.
Age Grade
Regulation 15 applies to the playing, training and coaching of all variations of rugby for all age groups up until and including Under 18s, including Under 19s playing down into Under 18s rugby (‘Age Grade Rugby’). This Regulation 15 applies to both genders unless indicated otherwise. Click here to read to the full regulation.
Read here for: 24-25 Age grade rugby regulations grid 2024-25.docx
