Clarification 3-2024

Clarification in Law by the Designated Members of the Rugby Committee

Request

The Unión Argentina de Rugby (UAR) has asked the following: 
 
In the Spanish translation of the Laws of the Game, the “Crouch” instruction in the scrum engagement process has always been translated as “Cuclillas.” 

We are always trying to simplify our language and how we explain the game to new and existing participants. In Spanish, ‘cuclillas’ translates to ‘squat down on your heels’ rather than the bending position we all know to be setting a scrum.  

Could we instead use the word “Flexión” for the referees call?  Nothing will change in players movement during the process, but we believe the importance of the words and its meanings are vital for the learning and execution process. 

Is this possible?

Clarification of the designated members of the Rugby Committee

Relevant law wordings:

• 19.10 When both sides are square, stable and stationary, the referee calls “crouch.”

Response

Yes, we have consulted with other Spanish speaking Unions and we are happy clarify this. 

The  scrum engagement sequence, in Spanish, can become: “Flexión - Tomarse - Ya”. 

World Rugby will amend the Laws of the Game translations accordingly and work to update any relevant Training & Education materials.   

We are aware that some Spanish speaking Unions/countries prefer to use the English “Crouch - Bind - Set” commands and that can continue if preferred.