In a minor revision to the current protocol surrounding the ongoing scrum engagement global trial, the International Rugby Board has confirmed that referees will use non-verbal communication to indicate to the scrum-half when the ball can be thrown into the scrum.

Up to now as part of the scrum trial, the referee has told the scrum-half that the scrum is ready for the put-in by the use of the phrase “yes nine”. But following an initial review, including consultation with national coaches and referee managers, it has been decided that referees will adopt a non-verbal communication to scrum-halves for the introduction of the ball. With the new procedure the verbal “Yes 9” has been dropped:

IRB Laws Directive

To support the new IRB Scrum Directive the following additional guidance is offered:

Ensure scrum half (and scrum half replacements) are briefed to the new protocol.

Ensure they are aware of how you will indicate that you are happy for them to put the ball in:

a) If on the far side of the scrum to the put-in the referee will raise his hand and nod his head in a yes motion when he is happy for the ball to be put-in.

b) If on the same side as the put-in the referee should tap the scrum half on the back when he is happy for the ball to be put-in.

Guidance for those refereeing children and or players of the opposite sex

Below should be included as a protocol to be adopted if refereeing under age games and women and girls.

To support the new IRB Scrum Directive the following additional guidance is offered:

Ensure scrum half (and scrum half replacements) are briefed to the new protocol.

With under age games suggest that when you brief the scrum half the coach is present so there can be no ambiguity regarding where and how you will touch the scrum half to indicate they can put the ball in.  Alternatively, if you are uncomfortable with this, manage the scrum from the far side to the put-in but please ensure the safety elements and need to move to put in side if the need arises.

With male referees refereeing women and girls matches please ensure a similar process is adopted to ensure there is no doubt about where the contact will be made.

If necessary, whilst the protocol indicates touching the scrum half on the back, at underage and women and girls games you may feel more comfortable touching the player on the shoulder but it is essential that the player is briefed accordingly.

Date July 10, 2012 

The RFU requests clarification for the following:

Law 3.11(b) A player who leaves a match because of injury or any other reason must not rejoin the match until the referee permits the player to return. The referee must not let a player return until ball is dead.

Law 5.7(e) If time expires and the ball is not dead or an awarded scrum or line out has not been completed, the referee allows play to continue until the next time that the ball becomes dead. The ball becomes dead when the referee would have awarded a scrum, line out, an option to the non-offending team, drop out or after a conversion or successful penalty kick at goal. If a scrum has to be reset, the scrum has not been completed. If time expires and a mark, free kick or penalty kick is then awarded, the referee allows play to continue. 

Law 8.3(f) After the ball has been made dead. Advantage cannot be played after the ball has been made dead.

1. Team A have a player waiting to return from a temporary exclusion and the period of exclusion has expired. They kick the ball into touch. Team B wish to take a quick lineout. Does the referee allow the quick lineout or allow the player from Team A to return to the field?
2. Same scenario but a substitution has been asked for rather than the end of a temporary exclusion period.

Clarification of the Designated Members of the Rugby Committee

Law 3.11(b) states that “A player who leaves a match because of injury or any other reason must not rejoin the match until the referee permits the player to return. The referee must not let a player rejoin a match until the ball is dead.”

120710 LW RFU Clarifcation 2 Law 3 EN Page 2 of 2
The referee in such circumstances is entitled to allow a team to take a quick throw-in. If the referee allows a quick throw-in, the player who has been temporarily suspended or replaced will be permitted to rejoin the match at the next stoppage in play as decided by the referee.

Date 11^th November 2011

Request for Clarification from the ARU

“Law 11.4(f) states: “…The 10-metre Law applies if the ball touches or is played by an opponent but is not charged down.”

This section of Law does not appear to have been applied in any professional or international competition since it was introduced in 2009. It is current practice that if the ball is kicked and touched in flight by an opponent, we have seen refereed rule that any teammate of the kicker who is in front is now deemed onside.

ARU requests clarification on how this Law is to be applied. ARU has several concerns:

1. This Law says “touches or is played”. Under the Definitions of the Game, ‘touched’ and ‘played’ mean exactly the same thing.
2. The definition of “Charge Down” in Law 12 clearly indicates that the ball does NOT have to travel forward from the player charging down to be considered a charge down (stating that charge down “is not a knock-on even though the ball may go forward”). We question how Law 11.4 (f) can distinguish between the ball being touched in flight after being kicked and the ball being charged down if there is no such difference between the two.
3. Even assuming it was argued that a charge down must travel forward (not supported in Law) this Law seems difficult to apply. If a ball ricochets off a player charging down an travels, for example, either in a perpendicular direction to the player charging down, or bobbles into the air and lands merely 2 metres behind the player charging down, the 10m Law would presumably apply and offside players (potentially an entire team) must retire 10m from where the ball lands or behind the kicker. This seems impractical to enforce and vastly at odds with current practice.

A good example of unworkability of this Law is RWC Game NZ v Tonga, at 12.45 first half. The ball is kicked by black 9, touched in flight by red 11, then played by red 5. Then black 2, who is within the 10m of where the ball was played by red 5, attempts to dive on the ball. Since a player inside the 10m cannot be put onside by the action of an opponent as per Law 11.5 (b), according to current Law this should be a PK to red.

Can the IRB clarify in which scenarios this Law is to be applied? If it is agreed that this sentence of Law is unworkable, we suggest simply removing it, as the remainder of Law 11.4 (f) covers the fact that the teammates of the

Clarification

1. The act of a charge down is one where an opposition player not in possession of the ball approaches a kicker at close quarters and makes an attempt to block the kick. In such circumstances players in front of the kicker who are within 10 metres of the kick are not liable to penalty wherever the ball lands.
2. If the ball is not charged down but is played or touches an opposition player and a player from the kicker’s side is within the 10 metre area in front of the kick that player is liable to penalty in accordance with Law 10.4(f).

The deletion of 11.4(f) would require a Law amendment.

Date 9^th September 2013

Request for Clarification from the Irish RFU

IRB 0 0 2011-11-23T17:40:00Z 2011-11-23T17:53:00Z 1 19 112 1 1 130 14.0

The Irish Rugby Football Union has requested clarification that apart from a kicking tee no other item or implement may be used.

Law 9.B.1 (d) states:

(d) The kicker may place the ball directly on the ground or on sand, sawdust or a kicking tee approved by the Union.

There have been instances where the kicker has used another marker to indicate where he wishes to place his non kicking foot; or to sight/line up the ball with the posts.

It is our view that these additional assists falls outside Law.

Clarification 

The Law permits the use of a kicking tee or sand to elevate the ball so that it can be kicked. No other equipment, sand or other  implement may be used to assist the kicker.

Date 9^th September 2014

Line out 

IRB clarification for teams choosing not to engage at the lineout 

If the defenders in the line out choose to not engage the line out drive by “leaving the line out as a group”, PK to attacking team;

If the defenders in the line out choose to not engage the line out drive by simply opening up a gap & “creating space” & not leaving the line out, the following process would be followed:

– attackers would need to keep the ball with the front player, if they were to drive down-field (therefore play on, general play – defenders could either engage to form a maul, or tackle the ball carrier only);

– if they had immediately passed it back to the player at the rear of the “group”, the referee would tell them to “use it” which they must do immediately…

– if they drove forward with the ball at the back (did not release the ball), the referee would award a scrum for “accidental offside” rather than PK for obstruction.

Date 15th September 2014

 Law 9 – Method of Scoring

The SRU has requested clarification on whether the below interpretation of Law 9 in Sevens also extends to Fifteens.

 “Law 9.B.1 9 (e) – Taking a conversion kick

1. Who can or should inform the referee of the team’s decision to opt to take the conversion or not? Can anyone or must it be the captain, try scorer or conversion taker? Or any of the foregoing, bearing in mind that one of the foregoing individuals may be some distance from the referee and be inaudible?

2. Are there any specific words or signal that must be used to indicate to the referee of the team’s decision as to whether they will take the conversion or restart play?
3. In relation to the timing restriction on when a team can opt not to take the conversion and to instead restart play, what happens if there is a delay in the referee ruling that a try has been scored (i.e. if he is behind the player or the TMO is consulted) which results in the clock going past 0.00?

4. Lastly, if the team chooses not to take the conversion do they have to be set to take the restart before the clock reaches 0.00 and the hooter sounds? Or do the same principles apply regarding other restarts of play such as the line out whereby the ball may go out of play before the clock reaches 0.00 and the line out must still take place regardless of whether it has formed or not before 0.00?”

Date – May 2014

Clarification of Law 16 – Offside at the Ruck

When a scrum half attempts to retrieve the ball from a ruck, the ball is not out until that player has picked the ball up from the ground. Click below to see video.

http://www.irblaws.com/index.php?domain=9&guideline=7

Date – Oct 2014

Law 15.5 and Law 16.3

The RFU requested clarification on two items of Law in the context of both the Sevens and Fifteens game:

1. Tackled player shifting body position before release

2. Ruck clear outs using ‘head rolls’ or ‘body rolls’

For the avoidance of doubt there is only one set of Laws. The interpretations set out below stand for both the Sevens and Fifteens game:

In terms of the tackled player shifting body position before release, Law 15.5 (a) and 15.5 (e) should be considered:

(a) A tackled player must not lie on, over, or near the ball to prevent opponents from gaining possession of it, and must try to make the ball available immediately so that play can continue.

(e) If opposition players who are on their feet attempt to play the ball, the tackled player must release the ball

In terms of ruck clear-outs using “head rolls” and “body rolls”, this is not specifically referenced in Law. However, Law 10.4 (e) regarding dangerous play and misconduct should be applied to both the tackle and clear out:

“Dangerous tackling. A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously. A player must not tackle an opponent above the line of the shoulders even if the tackle starts below the line of the shoulders. A tackle around the neck or head is dangerous play. Sanction: Penalty kick”

Therefore body rolls are permissible but head rolls should be penalised.

Oct 2014

Law 6 – Law Amendment Trial – HIA Protocol

The RFU requested clarification relating to the operation of the HIA protocol which is set out below.

1. Early notification of player not returning following HIA

Under the TMO protocols the temporary replacement for a player undergoing an HIA cannot kick for goal. If the player undergoing assessment does not return within ten minutes, the temporary replacement becomes permanent and the replacement is then permitted to kick for goal. If the fourth official is notified within ten minutes that the player has been assessed will not be returning, can the replacement then kick for goal before the ten minutes has elapsed?

2. Temporary replacement sent off

Our understanding is that if the replacement player is sent off then the player having an HIA assessment is not permitted to play any further part in the game i.e. he cannot act as a replacement for another player.

If this is correct then a red card issued to a player whilst he is acting as a temporary replacement potentially prevents two members of that team from participating further in the game; this does not seem equitable and is contrary to what is permitted if a front row player is temporarily replaced and his replacement is sent off. Is our understanding correct?

3. Player passes the HIA and does not return

It is our understanding that a player who has previously been tactically replaced can act as a temporary replacement for a player undergoing an HIA assessment.

If a player fails an HIA it is clear from the protocol that the temporary replacement becomes permanent even in the circumstance where the temporary replacement had previously been tactically replaced.

What is not clear it what happens if the player does not fail the HIA, does not present for return within ten minutes and the temporary replacement had previously been tactically replaced ie the temporary replacement was not eligible to return to the game other than as a replacement for a player undergoing an HIA or a player having bleeding controlled.

What should happen if a player who has not failed an HIA does not present himself to return within the ten minutes specified; does the temporary replacement become permanent in all circumstances? This is not an issue if the temporary replacement was an unused replacement, but becomes an issue if the temporary replacement had himself previously been tactically substituted.

Clarification of the Designated Members of the Rugby Committee

1. If the fourth official is notified that a player who has undergone a HIA will not be returning, then the replacement can kick for goal before the ten minutes has elapsed.

2. Understanding is incorrect.

If a HIA temporary replacement is sent off then the player having an HIA assessment is permitted to take further part in the game (as long as he/ she passes the HIA) i.e. The HIA assessed player can act as a replacement for another player.

3. If a player passes the HIA he must return to play and the temporary replacement withdrawn.

October 2014

Law 13 – Kick Off and Restarts

The HKRFU requested a clarification relating to Law 13. Drop out must cross the line.

Scenario

Team A have a 22 metre drop out. The ball does not cross the line and lands in the field of play before going into touch, some 8 metres from the 22 metre drop out took place.

What advantage may apply? Can the non-offending team choose to have a line out where the ball went into touch, the option of a scrum or a kick to be retaken?

Clarification of the Designated Members of the Rugby Committee

Law 13.13 (a) applies.

“If the ball does not cross the 22 m line the opposing team has two choices:

• To have another drop out, or
• To have a scrum at the centre of the 22m line. They throw in the ball.”

Advantage only applies if the opponents play the ball before it goes into touch.

Scenario

Team A are awarded a scrum. After winning the ball in the ensuing scrum, the hindmost player in that scrum grasps the ball with his feet or ankles and, whilst still bound to the scrum, bunny hops forwards with the ball still caught between his feet/ankles.

Is this action legal?

Law 20.9 Scrum – General Restrictions

1. b) All players: Handling in the scrum. Players must not handle the ball in the scrum or pick it up with their legs.

1. c) All players: Other restrictions on winning the ball. Players must not try to win the ball in the scrum by using any part of their body except their foot or lower leg.

20. d) …” Law 20.9(b) appears to determine the action (“bunny hopping with the ball caught at the player’s feet”) illegal and liable to penalty. However, doubt arises as to whether “legs” mentioned in the sentence includes the feet. On the other hand, Law 20.9 (c) specifically mentions feet, so this would appear to tender the action legal.

Could you please clarify as there are diverse interpretations on this action across various countries and there appears to be ambiguity in the Laws of the Game?

Clarification of the Designated Members of the Rugby Committee

The action of “bunny hopping” as described is not permissible. Law 20.9 (b) states that All players: Handling in the scrum. Players must not handle the ball in the scrum or pick it up with their legs. Sanction: Penalty kick.

There is no ambiguity in this law. Law 20.9 (c) refers to winning the ball whereas 20.9 (b) relates to play after the ball has been won.

Scenario

Team A are awarded a 22 drop-out. The kick is correctly executed and the ball enters the opposing team’s in-goal area without having touched or been touched by a player in the process. A defending player picks up the ball within this area and touches down, making the ball dead.

What should the referee’s decision be?

Law 13 Definitions state:

The kick-off occurs at the start of each half of the match and at the beginning of each period of extra time. Restart kicks occur after a score or a touchdown.

Law 13.10 Definitions state:

Drop-out: A drop-out is a drop kick taken by the defending team. The drop-out may be taken anywhere on or behind the 22-metre line. A drop-out is used to restart play after an attacking player has put or taken the ball into the in-goal, without infringement, and a defending player has made the ball dead there or it has gone into touch-ingoal or on or over the dead ball line.

Law 13.15 Drop-out goes into the opponent’s in-goal states:

1. a) If the ball is kicked into the opponent’s in-goal without having touched or been touched by a player, the opposing team has three choices:

• to ground the ball,
• or to make it dead,
• or to play on.

1. b) If the opposing team grounds the ball, or makes it dead, or if the ball becomes dead by going into touch-in-goal or on or over the dead ball line, they have two choices:

• to have a scrum formed at the centre of the 22-metre line from where the kick was taken and they throw in the ball, or
• to have the other team drop-out again.

1. c) If they opt to ground the ball or make it dead, they must do so without delay. Any other action with the ball by a defending player means the player has elected to play on.

Further to this, the Seven-a-side Variations state:

The Laws of the Game apply to the seven-a-side game, subject to the following variations.

The variations presented for Law 13 end at Law 13.9. In the fifteen-a-side game, that Law refers to (Kick-off) ball goes into the in-goal. Thus, if no variations are presented for the incidents surrounding the drop-out, the “normal” Laws should be applied.

Hence, our understanding is that in the seven-a-side game, in the event of a 22 drop-out travelling into the opposing team’s in-goal area without touching or having been touched by a player in the process and a defending player grounds the ball without any delay, the referee’s decision should be to apply Law 13.15. (option between a scrum on the 22 where the kick was taken or ask to repeat the drop-out).

In other words, the Free Kick sanction applied in the seven-a-side game for infringements surrounding the kick-off does not apply to the restart kick (“22 drop-out”). Similarly, this would apply to a drop-out being incorrectly taken (law 13.12), not crossing the 22-metre line (law 13.13) or kicked directly into touch (13.14).

Is this interpretation correct?

Clarification of the Designated Members of the Rugby Committee

This interpretation is correct. For drop-outs normal 15 a-side sanctions apply. Law 13.15: Drop-out goes into the opponents in-goal

(b) If the opposing team grounds the ball, or makes it dead, or if the ball becomes dead by going into touch-in-goal or on or over the dead ball line, they have two choices:

• To have a scrum formed at the centre of the 22-metre line from where the kick was taken and they throw in the ball, or
• To have the other team drop-out again

Law 13.10 Drop-out Definitions:

A drop-out is used to restart play after an attacking player has put or taken the ball into the in-goal, without infringement, and a defending player has made the ball dead there or it has gone into touch-in goal or on or over the dead ball line.”

21.4 Penalty and free kick options and requirements:

1. c) No delay. If a kicker indicates to the referee the intention to kick a penalty kick at goal, the kick must be taken within one minute from the time the player indicates the intention to kick at goal. The intention to kick is signalled by the arrival of the kicking tee or sand, or when the player makes a mark on the ground. The player must complete the kick within one minute even if the ball rolls over and has to be placed again. If the one minute is exceeded, the kick is disallowed, a scrum is ordered at the place of the mark and the opponents throw in the ball. For any other type of kick, the kick must be taken without undue delay.”

21.6 Scoring from a free kick:

a) A goal cannot be scored from a free kick.

b) The team awarded a free kick cannot score a dropped goal until after the ball next becomes dead, or until an opponent has played or touched it, or has tackled the ball carrier. This restriction applies also to a scrum or line out taken instead of a free kick.

22.7 Restarting after a touch down:

1. a) When an attacking player sends or carries the ball into the opponent’s in-goal and it becomes dead there, either because a defender grounded it or because it went into touch-in-goal or on or over the dead ball line, a drop-out is awarded.

22.8 Ball kicked dead through in-goal:

If a team kicks the ball through their opponents’ in-goal into touch-in-goal or on or over the dead ball line, except by an unsuccessful kick at goal or attempted dropped goal, the defending team has two choices:

• To have a drop-out, or
• To have a scrum at the place where the ball was kicked and they throw in.

Scenario

Team A is awarded a free kick. They opt for a scrum and win the ball. The ball is quickly passed to their fly half who drop kicks it through the posts and above the cross bar and the ball then becomes dead.

As we can see, Law 21.6 determines that the attempted drop goal is not valid, however no mention is made to how play should restart.

Should the referee restart play by:

a) awarding only a scrum at the place of the attempted drop goal? This decision appears to be valid according to Law 21.4(c)

b) awarding only a 22 drop-out? This decision appears to be valid according to Law 13.10 Definitions, paragraph two   and Law 22.7(a).

Law 22.8 appears to deny giving an option to the opposing team in either a scrum at the place of the attempted dropped goal or a 22 drop-out.

Due to the above-mentioned doubts within the Laws of the Game, we seek clarity on whether the attempted dropped goal following a free kick is considered to be:

i) an unsuccessful kick at goal/ unsuccessful dropped goal, in which case Laws 13.10 and 22.7(a) should apply?

Or,

ii) a free kick incorrectly executed, in which case Law 21.4 should be applied?

Further to this; iii) In the case the ball does not become dead after the attempted dropped goal, should advantage be applied?

Could you please clarify as the Laws of the Game do not clearly state how to restart play after the attempted dropped goal has been taken?

Clarification of the Designated Members of the Rugby Committee

The illegal drop kick as described should be treated similar to a punt in general play i.e. play continues. If the ball becomes dead from the kick then Law 22.8 should apply. Law 22.8: Ball kicked dead through in-goal

If a team kicks the ball through their opponents’ in-goal into touch-in-goal or on or over the dead ball line, except by an unsuccessful kick at goal or attempted dropped goal, the defending team has two choices:

• To have a drop-out, or
• To have a scrum at the place where the ball was kicked and they throw in.

The information below is intended to help develop an understanding between players, coaches and officials on how the laws of the game are expected to be applied for the approaching Sevens tournaments, and to assist in playing and officiating Sevens in your respective Unions.

It is worth noting that the laws are intended to reward the team that is most effectively applying the Principles of the Game (contesting possession, continuity of attack, applying pressure, etc). Officials attempt to judge each situation by which team is legally dominating the situation through superior force, tactics, or numbers. This means that, in some situations, committing an offence might not lead to a penalty, depending on how it affects the opposition. For example, a tackled player that takes the “Squeeze Ball” position might not be penalised if there are no defenders contesting possession, but is more likely to be penalised if taking that position hinders a defender that was attempting to get the ball.

Below is a video generated by Paddy O’Brien to prepare the officials for the 2014-15 Sevens World Series. Although not all of the clips will apply at every tournament, it provides a good resource for players, coaches and officials to prepare themselves.

2014-15 Sevens Technical Laws Video:  http://play.buto.tv/l98Ts

It is hoped that this video is self-explanatory.  Please contact Laws@RFU.com  if you have any questions or seek clarification.

Further to the video, there are some questions that have been raised by coaches, and after consultation with Paddy O’Brien and Paddy McNally, the following answers have been prepared in a Q&A format:

Question: Is the position known as “Squeeze Ball” allowed?

Answer: If there are players on their feet trying to gain possession of the ball, the tackled player must release the ball immediately and not use his/her body or additional movements (such as an extra roll) to hinder the players on their feet from gaining possession.

Question: Can arriving players put their hands on the ground past the tackled player?

Answer: No. Such players risk being penalised. Arriving players from the defending or supporting teams must bear their weight. Defending players attempting to gain possession must put their hands on the ball first, NOT the ground. (Law 15.6 a)

NOTE: If a player falls past the tackled player because of a lack of opposition, they might not be penalised, but must get back on their feet without delay.

Question: Can a tackler’s support players at a ruck hold onto the tackled player as an anchor, if their shoulders are up and they are bearing their weight?

Answer: A support player may touch or hold players on the ground provided that the support player is supporting his/her body weight. EXCEPT, if the defending team counter-rucks and the support player would have been driven backwards except for use of the tackled player as an anchor, then the support player risks being penalised.

Also, if a support player is in contact with a ball-carrier before the ball-carrier goes to ground, that support player may remain in contact with the ball-carrier, but should get back to a weight bearing position without delay. (Law 15.6 a).

Question: What are the restrictions on players chasing kicks with regards to making contact with opposition players waiting to receive the ball?

Answer: Players in the air are vulnerable, and it is the responsibility of other players not to put them at further risk. Contact at kicks will happen, but referees are expected to be strict with any players that, by intention or recklessness, make contact with a player that is in the air. Just “going for the ball” is not enough to avoid penalty, the player must make a legitimate effort to get hands on the ball first; players that make contact with a jumping opponent and do not touch the ball are liable to be penalised, but if they manage to touch the ball when contacting the body, then play might be allowed to continue.

Question: How will referees manage the often-chaotic Sevens scrum?

Answer: Scrums receive less attention in Sevens, but along with general expectations on binding and timing, there are specific areas that referees should be monitoring: the defending loose head prop standing up or turning in at the scrum, and any props pulling their opponent forwards.

Question: At a quickly taken penalty kick, how far do the defenders have to retreat?

Answer: There are a lot of quickly taken penalties in Sevens, and these are usually a more

potent attacking option than in XVs due to greater space and fewer defenders in depth.

Considering this, a strict interpretation of 10m could lead to repeated “not 10m” penalties against the defenders, which could magnify the impact of penalties beyond their intended value.

An attacking ball carrier that intentionally runs into a retreating defender that has not yet fully retreated 10 meters, is an example of cynical play and the ball carrier should not be awarded an additional penalty – Law 21.9.

Law Reference: 15, 16, 22

We are concerned at the increasing practice of an opponent kicking the ball out of the hands of a player who has picked up the ball.

This is happening mainly when the ball is won at the breakdown/tackle/ruck and has been picked up by a player. An opponent then kicks the ball from that player’s hands. (This opponent may have legally come through the breakdown, or may still be in the breakdown.)

We do not consider that this action is either:

(i) A fair contest for the ball.

Or,

(ii) Can be considered a legal means of dispossessing a player.

It is also foreseeable that injuries will occur. It presents difficulties in interpretation and consistency for the referee:

If contact is made with the hands of the player it can be considered foul play – this is difficult to see and to decide.

If the ball is dropped, referees are ruling a knock-on, whereas the player in possession has neither lost possession of the ball, nor has he knocked it forward.

We can find some guidance in the following Laws (22 & 16) which deal with kicking the ball from a player’s possession in the field of play who is reaching out to score, albeit a tackled player:

Law 22.4 (e) Tackled near the goal-line. If a player is tackled near to the opponents’ goal line so that this player may immediately reach out and ground the ball on or over the goal-line, a try is scored.

(f) In this situation, defending players who are on their feet may legally prevent the try by pulling the ball from the tackled player’s hands or arms, but must not kick the ball.

Law 15.6 (j) – This Law is very similar to 22.4(f) above.

We consider that it is logical for the rationale in Law to cover the scenario which we have outlined above in relation to the breakdown, and that the Law intends that it is not legal to kick the ball from the hands of a player in possession in any circumstances.

Clarification of the Designated Members of the Rugby Committee

The designated members agree that it is illegal to kick the ball from the hands of a player in possession in any circumstances. An example of this action can be seen at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mONaLz6Ry4&feature=youtu.be

The sanction for this action should be a penalty against the offending team.

Clarification  

Request 

within law 3.14. Rolling Substitutions

1. Does the injured player have to go off at the time of the foul play or can the player try to play on first? 

2. Can a No. 22 who has tactically replaced No. 10, and then gets injured by foul play, be replaced by the No. 10 while other unused subs remain on the bench? 

3. What is the definition of foul play for the purpose of this Law? 

4. What happens if the referee plays advantage from the foul play; can the player still be replaced? 

5. What happens in games where there are rolling substitutions? 

6. Does the injured player have to go off permanently; or, if deemed fit, can he return later in the game? 

Clarification of the Designated Members of the Rugby Committee 

The Designated Members have reviewed this request for clarification and the below are the relevant responses. 

1. Replacement should be immediate. 

2. The substituted No. 10 can re-join even if another replacement is available. 

3. Law 10.4 defines foul play for the purposes of this Law 

4. Yes, player must be replaced at next stoppage. 

5. The player will be deemed to be injured and will not be permitted to return to the field of play. 

6. If a player is injured and is replaced, he may not return. There are no temporary replacements while injury is being assessed.

Following on from the recent Law Clarification  (Law 3.14) further clarification is sought by the WRU as to the following scenario: 

Scenario – Red No.3 (TH) is injured and replaced by No.18 (declared TH cover). No.18 then gets injured as a direct result of foul play. No.18 can be replaced but Red has no recognised TH on the bench and, as such, would have to go to uncontested scrums. Law 3.6(d) states that a player whose departure causes the referee to order uncontested scrums cannot be replaced. 

In the above scenario, can the Red team now continue for the remainder of the game, however long it may be, with 15 players – due to the fact the replacement TH has been injured as a direct result of foul play – which has to be verified by the match officials, or do they reduce to 14 (as per Law 3.6(d))? This scenario can relate to any member of the front row. 

It is noted that if the above were to arise then front row replacements must be used first for uncontested scrums. 

The WRU view is that the game should continue with equal numbers and Law 3.6(d) is not enforced. There is a direct correlation with HIA albeit a time constraint. 

Clarification of the Designated Members of the Rugby Committee 

The Designated Members have reviewed this request for clarification and the below are the relevant responses. 

In this scenario the Red team can continue with 15 players. The new clause to 3.14 was added so as to not disadvantage a team that had lost a player due to foul play. Law 3.14 should supersede Law 3.6(d) in the unusual situation where a front row player has been injured as a direct result of foul play.

Law Application Guideline – Contact to the Head

Following the recent announcement from World Rugby please see  the official documentation explaining the Law Application Guideline – Contact to the Head. Please ensure you are familiar with the guidance before your next fixture by using the link below.

World Rugby website link – http://laws.worldrugby.org/guidelines   

It also needs to be re-iterated that there has been no change to the law with regards to the ‘Hand-off’.  Law 7.1 Playing a Match – A Ball carrier may hand-off an opponent.  The only point to note here is ‘Ball-carriers must be careful that they fend off tacklers legally and do not strike opponents.