Clarification 4-2024
Clarification in Law by the Designated Members of the Rugby Committee
| Clarification | 4-2024 |
|---|---|
| Union / HP Ref Manager | NZR |
| Law Reference | 6.29 |
| Date | 02-09-2024 |
Request
NZ Rugby would like clarification as to whether the person referred to in Law 6.29b – a kicking tee carrier - is in addition to the two water carriers, or if a tee carrier should be one of the two water carriers referred to in 6.29a?
Clarification of the designated members of the Rugby Committee
Relevant law wordings:
- 6.29 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.
(plus clauses i-iv)
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.
Response
The Global Law Trial changes to Law 6 in 2022, aimed to reduce the number of additional people in the playing enclosure, restrict the number of incursions onto the field and to add in measures in law to deal with poor behaviours.
This law trial clarified the allowance for two water carriers, who are permitted to be in the designated Technical Area/Zone.
In Rugby World Cup 2023, and in other World Rugby competitions since, the tee carrier can only be one of the two designated water carriers.
Therefore, World Rugby will make the wordings clearer. When the Global Law Trial is considered for adoption into law, the wording should make clear that the tee carrier is one of the two water carriers, not an additional third person.
We recommend that Global Law Trial law 6.29 should be amended in due course to read:
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. This person must be one of the two nominated water carriers.