Clarification 1-2004

Ruling in Law by the Designated Members of the Rugby Committee

This clarification was incorporated into law in 2009

Request

1. The WRU has requested a ruling with regard Law 14 -Ball on the Ground-No Tackle. May a player lying on the ground during general play and not after a tackle, attempt to tackle a ball carrier?

2. The WRU has requested a ruling with regard Law 3 -Number of Players-The Team. A front row player is sent from the field of play. At the next scrum a suitably trained front row replacement takes the field and a team-mate (flank forward) leaves as required. Subsequently, the other flank forward is injured. May he be replaced by the flank forward who left the field?

3. The WRU has requested a ruling with regard Law 3 -Number of Players-The Team. A front row player has a blood injury and is temporarily replaced by a player who is subsequently sent off for foul play. He is replaced by a suitably trained player and a team-mate leaves as required. A second front row player is then injured. May the original blood player return to cover the position?

Ruling of the designated members of the Rugby Committee

1. Law 14 states 'The game is to be played by players on their feet'. The action noted above is illegal.

2. The flank forward that left the field as required in the above scenario may replace the flank forward that was injured.

3. If the player who has been temporarily replaced does not return to the field of play with 15 minutes (actual time) of leaving the playing area, the replacement becomes permanent and the replaced player must not return to the field of play. If however the sending off takes place within the fifteen minute period allowed for the original prop to have the wound repaired, and the fifteen minute period has not elapsed, the original prop may return to the field of play at the time the next scrum is awarded after the sending off.