Clarification 4-2005

Ruling in Law by the Designated Members of the Rugby Committee

Request

The ARU has requested a ruling with regard Law 3-Number of Players

Scenario 1
A front row player (No. 3) is temporary suspended. At the next scrum player No. 6 leaves the field to allow a replacement front row player (No.17) to take the field. During the time of the temporary suspension, player No.7 leaves the field (blood, or injury). Can player No. 6 replace player No.7 at this time or must he remain off the field until the temporary suspension period for player No. 3 ends?

Scenario 2
A front row player (No.3) is temporary suspended. At the next scrum player No. 6 leaves the field to allow a replacement front row player (No.17) to take the field. Player No.17 is temporarily suspended (during the period of temporary suspension for player No.3). At the next scrum player No.7 leaves the field to allow a replacement front row player (No.18) to take the field.

When can players No.3 and 6 return to the field; at the end of the temporary suspension for player No.3 or must they remain off the field until the temporary suspension period for player No.17 ends?

Is there any difference if the team does not have any further front row replacements (for No.17)?

Ruling of the designated members of the Rugby Committee

Ruling 1
Player No. 6 can return to the field of play before the temporary suspension period for player No. 3 ends, providing the team has only 14 players on the field.

Ruling 2
Player No. 6 can return to the field of play at the end of the temporary suspension of player No. 3. Player No. 17 cannot return to the field of play until his/her temporary suspension has ended.