7 players on the field

7 players on the field

7 players on the field

5 players per team. Teams must match numbers, unless player is sanctioned with YC/RC.

5 players per team. Teams are not required to match numbers (World Rugby Law).

5 players per team. Teams are not required to match numbers (World Rugby Law).

12

12

12

Unlimited movements. Replacements can be made at any stoppage where the ball is dead and only with the permission of the referee. A replacement can take place at a FK or PK but the ball must be made dead prior to this happening and with the permission of the referee. The ball is dead when the referee blows the whistle to stop play; or when the ball is in touch; or following an unsuccessful conversion.

Unlimited movements. Replacements can be made at any stoppage where the ball is dead and only with the permission of the referee. A replacement can take place at a FK or PK but the ball must be made dead prior to this happening and with the permission of the referee. The ball is dead when the referee blows the whistle to stop play; or when the ball is in touch; or following an unsuccessful conversion.

Unlimited movements. Replacements can be made at any stoppage where the ball is dead and only with the permission of the referee. A replacement can take place at a FK or PK but the ball must be made dead prior to this happening and with the permission of the referee. The ball is dead when the referee blows the whistle to stop play; or when the ball is in touch; or following an unsuccessful conversion.

Full field. World Rugby Sevens is played on a full size field.

Full field. World Rugby Sevens is played on a full size field.

Full field. World Rugby Sevens is played on a full size field.

Size 4.

Size 5 - male Size 4.5 - female

Size 5 - male Size 4.5 - female

14 mins (2 x 7 min halves). Half time 2 mins.

14 mins (2 x 7 min halves). Half time 2 mins.

14 mins (2 x 7 min halves). Half time 2 mins.

20 minutes before the first match of the day. 10 minutes before each subsequent match.

20 minutes before the first match of the day. 10 minutes before each subsequent match.

20 minutes before the first match of the day. 10 minutes before each subsequent match.

No on-field coach. It is recommended that the coach stands behind the player's bench, inside the field enclosure.

No on-field coach. Coaches may coach from behind the player's bench or outside the playing enclosure.

No on-field coach. Coaches may coach from behind the player's bench or outside the playing enclosure.

84 minutes (6 x 14min matches)

84 minutes (6 x 14min matches)

84 minutes (6 x 14min matches)

Maximum 6 matches in a day.

Maximum 6 matches in a day.

Maximum 6 matches in a day.

Minimum 30 minutes between the end of one match and the start of the next.

Minimum 30 minutes between the end of one match and the start of the next.

Minimum 30 minutes between the end of one match and the start of the next.

The competition organiser must apply the Rugby Australia heat policy and provide scheduled hydration breaks. Where the heat policy requires it, match length is reduced before matches are cancelled.

The competition organiser must apply the Rugby Australia heat policy and provide scheduled hydration breaks. Where the heat policy requires it, match length is reduced before matches are cancelled.

The competition organiser must apply the Rugby Australia heat policy and provide scheduled hydration breaks. Where the heat policy requires it, match length is reduced before matches are cancelled.

No extra time. A drawn match stands as a draw. Where a final is drawn, the result is determined by Competition Rules.

No extra time. A drawn match stands as a draw. Where a final is drawn, the result is determined by Competition Rules.

No extra time. A drawn match stands as a draw. Where a final is drawn, the result is determined by Competition Rules.

Below the base of the sternum. Sling tackle and squeeze ball are dealt with under World Rugby foul play (Law 9).

Below the base of the sternum. Sling tackle and squeeze ball are dealt with under World Rugby foul play (Law 9).

Below the base of the sternum. Sling tackle and squeeze ball are dealt with under World Rugby foul play (Law 9).

World Rugby Law. There is no limit on the number of players who may join the tackle contest.

World Rugby Law. There is no limit on the number of players who may join the tackle contest.

World Rugby Law. There is no limit on the number of players who may join the tackle contest.

World Rugby Law.

World Rugby Law.

World Rugby Law.

3 players per team: 2 props and a hooker. All three must stay bound until the scrum ends (Sevens Variation 19.5). Teams must have 3 players in the scrum at all times and must match numbers.

3 players per team: 2 props and a hooker. All three must stay bound until the scrum ends (Sevens Variation 19.5). Teams must have 3 players in the scrum at all times and must match numbers.

3 players per team: 2 props and a hooker. All three must stay bound until the scrum ends (Sevens Variation 19.5). Teams must have 3 players in the scrum at all times and must match numbers.

World Rugby Law engagement sequence (crouch, bind, set).

World Rugby Law engagement sequence (crouch, bind, set).

World Rugby Law engagement sequence (crouch, bind, set).

1.5m. Both teams must stop pushing once 1.5m has been reached. The scrum may not be unintentionally wheeled through more than 45 degrees. Hookers must have a brake foot positioned to help stability and to avoid axial loading.

1.5m. Both teams must stop pushing once 1.5m has been reached. The scrum may not be unintentionally wheeled through more than 45 degrees. Hookers must have a brake foot positioned to help stability and to avoid axial loading.

1.5m. Both teams must stop pushing once 1.5m has been reached. The scrum may not be unintentionally wheeled through more than 45 degrees. Hookers must have a brake foot positioned to help stability and to avoid axial loading.

Crutch binding is allowed in all junior and youth age groups. Any team may choose to waist bind, but the opposition may continue to crutch bind. Within your own team, either crutch or waist bind must be used, there cannot be a mix. Sanction: Penalty Kick.

Crutch binding is allowed in all junior and youth age groups. Any team may choose to waist bind, but the opposition may continue to crutch bind. Within your own team, either crutch or waist bind must be used, there cannot be a mix. Sanction: Penalty Kick.

Crutch binding is allowed in all junior and youth age groups. Any team may choose to waist bind, but the opposition may continue to crutch bind. Within your own team, either crutch or waist bind must be used, there cannot be a mix. Sanction: Penalty Kick.

Players must know the May Day procedure.

Players must know the May Day procedure.

Players must know the May Day procedure.

Where a team can start the match with a contested scrum and then needs to go uncontested due to injury or foul play, the team does not need to drop a player from the number of players in the Field of Play. The scrum remains 3 players per team.

Where a team can start the match with a contested scrum and then needs to go uncontested due to injury or foul play, the team must drop a player from the number of players in the Field of Play. The scrum remains 3 players per team.

A team must start the match with a contested scrum and have at least 1 prop and 1 hooker on the bench. Where a team cannot do this, it must drop a player from the number of players in the Field of Play. The scrum remains 3 players per team.

Teams must be ready to form the scrum within 15 seconds of the mark being made or at the referees discretion. Sanction: Free Kick.

Teams must be ready to form the scrum within 15 seconds of the mark being made or at the referees discretion. Sanction: Free Kick.

Teams must be ready to form the scrum within 15 seconds of the mark being made or at the referees discretion. Sanction: Free Kick.

The scrum ends when the ball is played by that team's halfback, or when the ball leaves the scrum in any direction other than the tunnel.

The scrum ends when the ball is played by that team's halfback, or when the ball leaves the scrum in any direction other than the tunnel.

The scrum ends when the ball is played by that team's halfback, or when the ball leaves the scrum in any direction other than the tunnel.

Minimum of 2 players per team, plus a receiver who is additional to the two. Teams must match numbers in the lineout. The lineout must be formed within 15 seconds of the mark of touch being indicated, or at the referees discretion.

Minimum of 2 players per team, plus a receiver who is additional to the two. Teams must match numbers in the lineout. The lineout must be formed within 15 seconds of the mark of touch being indicated, or at the referees discretion.

Minimum of 2 players per team, plus a receiver who is additional to the two. Teams must match numbers in the lineout. The lineout must be formed within 15 seconds of the mark of touch being indicated, or at the referees discretion.

World Rugby Law. Both teams may lift and contest.

World Rugby Law. Both teams may lift and contest.

World Rugby Law. Both teams may lift and contest.

Drop kick by the try scoring team, taken within 30 seconds of the conversion being taken or declined or at the discretion of the referee. A contest for possession is permitted. Defenders back 10m. The ball must reach the 10m line and must not go directly into touch. Sanction: Free Kick.

Drop kick by the try scoring team, taken within 30 seconds of the conversion being taken or declined or at the discretion of the referee. A contest for possession is permitted. Defenders back 10m. The ball must reach the 10m line and must not go directly into touch. Sanction: Free Kick.

Drop kick by the try scoring team, taken within 30 seconds of the conversion being taken or declined or at the discretion of the referee. A contest for possession is permitted. Defenders back 10m. The ball must reach the 10m line and must not go directly into touch. Sanction: Free Kick.

Scrum to the non-offending team not in possession at the time of the offence, set at the mark under World Rugby Law.

Scrum to the non-offending team not in possession at the time of the offence, set at the mark under World Rugby Law.

Scrum to the non-offending team not in possession at the time of the offence, set at the mark under World Rugby Law.

Where the ball is played or taken into in goal by an attacking player and is made dead by an opponent, play restarts with a 22m drop out. Where a player is held up in in goal, play restarts with a 5m scrum to the attacking team.

Where the ball is played or taken into in goal by an attacking player and is made dead by an opponent, play restarts with a 22m drop out. Where a player is held up in in goal, play restarts with a 5m scrum to the attacking team.

Where the ball is played or taken into in goal by an attacking player and is made dead by an opponent, play restarts with a 22m drop out. Where a player is held up in in goal, play restarts with a 5m scrum to the attacking team.

Not applicable in 7s. Sevens Variation 12.11 restarts with a 22m drop out where an attacker takes the ball into in goal and it is made dead by an opponent. The try line drop out that applies in XV from 2027 does not apply.

Not applicable in 7s. Sevens Variation 12.11 restarts with a 22m drop out where an attacker takes the ball into in goal and it is made dead by an opponent. The try line drop out that applies in XV from 2027 does not apply.

Not applicable in 7s. Sevens Variation 12.11 restarts with a 22m drop out where an attacker takes the ball into in goal and it is made dead by an opponent. The try line drop out that applies in XV from 2027 does not apply.

10 metres back from the mark set by the Referee (WR Law).

10 metres back from the mark set by the Referee (WR Law).

10 metres back from the mark set by the Referee (WR Law).

Hindmost point. World Rugby Law.

Hindmost point. World Rugby Law.

Hindmost point. World Rugby Law.

5 metres from the last feet. The defending halfback must start at the midpoint of the scrum, on the same side as the ball is fed and next to the opposition halfback. Once the ball is fed, the defending halfback must not move beyond the midpoint of the scrum.

5 metres from the last feet. The defending halfback must start at the midpoint of the scrum, on the same side as the ball is fed and next to the opposition halfback. Once the ball is fed, the defending halfback must not move beyond the midpoint of the scrum.

5 metres from the last feet. The defending halfback must start at the midpoint of the scrum, on the same side as the ball is fed and next to the opposition halfback. Once the ball is fed, the defending halfback must not move beyond the midpoint of the scrum.

10 metres

10 metres

10 metres

10 metres

10 metres

10 metres

Try and conversion. The conversion must be a drop kick and must be taken within 30 seconds of the try being awarded or at the discretion of the referee. The kick is disallowed if not taken within 30 seconds. Opposing players assemble close to their own 10m line (Sevens Variation 8.14). Penalty goals and dropped goals are permitted and must be drop kicked (Sevens Variation 20.8 and 8.24).

Try and conversion. The conversion must be a drop kick and must be taken within 30 seconds of the try being awarded or at the discretion of the referee. The kick is disallowed if not taken within 30 seconds. Opposing players assemble close to their own 10m line (Sevens Variation 8.14). Penalty goals and dropped goals are permitted and must be drop kicked (Sevens Variation 20.8 and 8.24).

Try and conversion. The conversion must be a drop kick and must be taken within 30 seconds of the try being awarded or at the discretion of the referee. The kick is disallowed if not taken within 30 seconds. Opposing players assemble close to their own 10m line (Sevens Variation 8.14). Penalty goals and dropped goals are permitted and must be drop kicked (Sevens Variation 20.8 and 8.24).

World Rugby Law. Drop goals are permitted.

World Rugby Law. Drop goals are permitted.

World Rugby Law. Drop goals are permitted.

Any player shown a Yellow Card shall be suspended for a period of 2 minutes of actual playing time (Sevens Variation 9.29). The player is not replaced. A second yellow card offence by the same player is a send off.

Any player shown a Yellow Card shall be suspended for a period of 2 minutes of actual playing time (Sevens Variation 9.29). The player is not replaced. A second yellow card offence by the same player is a send off.

Any player shown a Yellow Card shall be suspended for a period of 2 minutes of actual playing time (Sevens Variation 9.29). The player is not replaced. A second yellow card offence by the same player is a send off.

Any player shown a red card is immediately suspended until they attend a judicial hearing. The player takes no further part in the tournament pending that hearing. The player is not replaced for the remainder of that match and the team plays with six. The team returns to seven players for its next match. All Red Cards must be recorded in Rugby Xplorer.

Any player shown a red card is immediately suspended until they attend a judicial hearing. The player takes no further part in the tournament pending that hearing. The player is not replaced for the remainder of that match and the team plays with six. The team returns to seven players for its next match. All Red Cards must be recorded in Rugby Xplorer.

Any player shown a red card is immediately suspended until they attend a judicial hearing. The player takes no further part in the tournament pending that hearing. The player is not replaced for the remainder of that match and the team plays with six. The team returns to seven players for its next match. All Red Cards must be recorded in Rugby Xplorer.

Where foul play meets the Penalty Kick threshold, the Referee may play advantage to allow continuity and flow. If in doubt, award the penalty. Where foul play meets the Yellow Card threshold or higher, including Dangerous Play (WR Laws 9.11 to 9.25) and Misconduct (WR Laws 9.27 and 9.28), advantage is not played. The Referee stops play immediately, except in the act of scoring a try.

Where foul play meets the Penalty Kick threshold, the Referee may play advantage to allow continuity and flow. If in doubt, award the penalty. Where foul play meets the Yellow Card threshold or higher, including Dangerous Play (WR Laws 9.11 to 9.25) and Misconduct (WR Laws 9.27 and 9.28), advantage is not played. The Referee stops play immediately, except in the act of scoring a try.

World Rugby Law.

Blue Card. Managed by the Referee in consultation with the medic, first aid officer or trainer. Player Welfare is the number one consideration: if in doubt, sit them out (and apply the CMP)

Blue Card. Managed by the Referee in consultation with the medic, first aid officer or trainer. Player Welfare is the number one consideration: if in doubt, sit them out (and apply the CMP)

Blue Card. Managed by the Referee in consultation with the medic, first aid officer or trainer. Player Welfare is the number one consideration: if in doubt, sit them out (and apply the CMP)

A maximum 40 point difference.

Once the threshold is reached, the coach of the team that is losing chooses one of three options: • Option 1: Teams are mixed and players are shared. • Option 2: Play continues. No changes to teams. • Option 3: The game is ended. Whichever option is chosen, the result is recorded as the score at the moment the threshold was reached. The Referee's own authority to stop play for safety reasons is unaffected and exists independently of this law. The score must be known on the field at every age group so that this law can operate.

Not applicable unless determined by local Competition Rules.

Not applicable unless determined by local Competition Rules.

No injury time is played.

No injury time is played.

No injury time is played.

Not mandatory under Rugby Australia youth law, but Rugby Australia strongly recommends all contact players wear a properly fitted mouthguard. Some competitions make them compulsory - check local rules.

Not mandatory under Rugby Australia youth law, but Rugby Australia strongly recommends all contact players wear a properly fitted mouthguard. Some competitions make them compulsory - check local rules.

Not mandatory under Rugby Australia youth law, but Rugby Australia strongly recommends all contact players wear a properly fitted mouthguard. Some competitions make them compulsory - check local rules.

The RA Concussion Management Procedure applies to all rugby at all ages. Any player with signs or symptoms of suspected concussion must leave the field immediately. No person (medic, first aid officer, trainer, coach or doctor) can override this. The player can be replaced. Graduated Return to Play: minimum 21 days for players aged 18 and under.

The RA Concussion Management Procedure applies to all rugby at all ages. Any player with signs or symptoms of suspected concussion must leave the field immediately. No person (medic, first aid officer, trainer, coach or doctor) can override this. The player can be replaced. Graduated Return to Play: minimum 21 days for players aged 18 and under.

The RA Concussion Management Procedure applies to all rugby at all ages. Any player with signs or symptoms of suspected concussion must leave the field immediately. No person (medic, first aid officer, trainer, coach or doctor) can override this. The player can be replaced. Graduated Return to Play: minimum 21 days for players aged 18 and under.

• U13: Players turning 12 or 13 years of age in the calendar year can participate (acceptable practice / eligible age grades). • U14: Players turning 13 or 14 years of age in the calendar year can participate (acceptable practice / eligible age grades). Rugby Australia's Size for Age guidelines will also apply. Rugby Australia's Mixed Gender Dispensation Procedure will also apply.

• U15: Players turning 14 or 15 years of age in the calendar year can participate (acceptable practice / eligible age grades). • U16: Players turning 15 or 16 years of age in the calendar year can participate (acceptable practice / eligible age grades). Rugby Australia's Size for Age guidelines will also apply (U15 only). Rugby Australia's Mixed Gender Dispensation Procedure will also apply (U15 only). U16 and above must be single gender competitions.

• U17: Players turning 16 or 17 years of age in the calendar year can participate (acceptable practice / eligible age grades). • U18: Players turning 17 or 18 years of age in the calendar year can participate (acceptable practice / eligible age grades). Rugby Australia's Size for Age guidelines do not apply at U17 or U18. U17 and U18 must be single gender competitions. A player turning 18 in the calendar year who wishes to play senior 7s must complete a Senior Rugby Dispensation.

Single gender by default. Boys and girls play in separate competitions. Mixed gender participation at U13 and U14 is available only through the Rugby Australia Mixed Gender Dispensation Procedure, except for a player turning 12 in the calendar year who plays up in U13. That player remains within the mixed gender starting position and does not need a dispensation.

Source: Rugby Australia Participation Policy (Starting Policy Positions) and the Mixed Gender Dispensation Procedure, both held in the Rugby Australia policy register. Referenced rather than restated in full so this law set does not go stale when the policy is revised.

Single gender by default. Boys and girls play in separate competitions. Mixed gender participation is available by dispensation at U15 only. It is not available at U16.

FLAG. This age band straddles the dispensation boundary. The Mixed Gender Dispensation Procedure covers U13, U14 and U15 as individual age grades, so a single U15&16 position would be wrong for half the band. Competition rules and education material must state the split explicitly.

Single gender. Boys and girls play in separate competitions. Mixed gender dispensation is not available at U17 or U18.

Source: Rugby Australia Mixed Gender Dispensation Procedure, which extends to the year a player turns 15 and no further.

Available. A girl over 12 years of age may play in a mixed gender team at U13 or U14 where no other opportunity to play regular rugby exists. The Rugby Australia Mixed Gender Dispensation Procedure must be followed and approval rests with the Competition Manager. A player turning 12 in the calendar year who plays up in U13 does not need a dispensation.

Requires a completed consent form, written support from a medical practitioner who knows the player, and assessment by an Independent Qualified Assessing Coach. Ad hoc tournaments and development programs are not treated as regular rugby. Schedule B (Exception for Front Row) is not required for Sevens Rugby.

Available at U15 only. A girl may play in a mixed gender team up to and including the calendar year in which she turns 15. Dispensation is not available at U16.

FLAG. The dispensation boundary falls inside this age band. Any 7s competition drawing a combined U15&16 grade must confirm how mixed gender dispensation is administered across the split before the draw is published.

Not available. The Mixed Gender Dispensation Procedure does not extend beyond the calendar year in which a player turns 15.

Source: Rugby Australia Mixed Gender Dispensation Procedure.

Rugby Australia supports a player's participation in the gender competition with which they identify. A player wishing to play in a gender competition different to the sex listed on their birth certificate must follow the Gender Identity Dispensation Procedure. Approval rests with the Competition Manager.

Requires a consent form, confirmation from a medical specialist known to the player, and assessment by an Independent Qualified Assessing Coach. Dispensation granted for an age grade competition is valid for that season and must be sought again each season. Schedule B (Exception for Front Row) is not required for Sevens Rugby.

Rugby Australia supports a player's participation in the gender competition with which they identify. A player wishing to play in a gender competition different to the sex listed on their birth certificate must follow the Gender Identity Dispensation Procedure. Approval rests with the Competition Manager.

Requires a consent form, confirmation from a medical specialist known to the player, and assessment by an Independent Qualified Assessing Coach. Dispensation granted for an age grade competition is valid for that season and must be sought again each season. Schedule B (Exception for Front Row) is not required for Sevens Rugby.

Rugby Australia supports a player's participation in the gender competition with which they identify. A player wishing to play in a gender competition different to the sex listed on their birth certificate must follow the Gender Identity Dispensation Procedure. Approval rests with the Competition Manager.

Requires a consent form, confirmation from a medical specialist known to the player, and assessment by an Independent Qualified Assessing Coach. Dispensation granted for an age grade competition is valid for that season and must be sought again each season. Schedule B (Exception for Front Row) is not required for Sevens Rugby.