Clarification 5-2015
Clarification in Law by the Designated Members of the Rugby Committee
| Clarification | 5-2015 |
|---|---|
| Union / HP Ref Manager | Joel Jutge |
| Law Reference | 3 |
| Date | 2015-08-19 |
Request
- Assuming a team only has two players in the starting 23 who can play tight head (TH). If the starting TH of that team is injured and replaced by the replacement TH and the replacement TH is subsequently temporarily replaced (either through blood or a HIA), can that team bring on a replacement, even though when the next scrum is awarded, that team will not be able to provide a suitably trained TH?
- If that team is allowed to bring on a replacement, what should happen at the next scrum?
- If that team is allowed to bring on a replacement, what happens if that temporary replacement becomes permanent?
Clarification of the designated members of the Rugby Committee
In specific answer to the question:
- Yes the team can bring on a replacement
- Uncontested scrums with 15 players
- If the temporary replacement becomes permanent then the game continues with uncontested scrums but with 14 players
Definition from Law book:
Replacement. A player who replaces an injured team-mate.
Substitute. A player who replaces a team-mate for tactical reasons.
Example 1: 3 is injured and replaced (note definition above) by 18 (the declared TH cover). If 18 gets then gets injured the team goes to 14 players and uncontested scrums. (Law 3.5 h, m and t )
Example 2: 3 is substituted (note definition above) by 18 (the declared TH cover). If 18 gets then gets injured then 3 can return and the game continues with contested scrums (Law 3.5 r and s and 3.13)
Example 3: 3 is injured and replaced by 18 (the declared TH cover). If 18 gets then gets temporarily replaced for Blood (Law 3.10) or HIA (Law 3.11) the team can continue with 15 players but scrums become uncontested until 18 returns. If 18 does not return then the team goes to 14 players and uncontested scrums. (Law 3.5 h, m and t)
Example 4: 3 is substituted by 18 (the declared TH cover). If 18 gets then gets temporarily replaced for (Law 3.10) or HIA (Law 3.11) then 3 can return and the game continues with contested scrums. (Law 3.13)
In order to facilitate this process and apply Law 3.5(g) then teams should declare prior to the match (on the competition team sheet) exactly which front row positions that players are suitably trained and experienced to play in. These players can be nominated to play in more than one front row position.