Finals and Medal Rounds

Teams leave dressing room

The Tournament Manager will arrange for the teams to be notified when it is time to line up to enter the field.

When signalled, the teams take the field and line up for the anthems (if applicable). 

They should proceed and line up as agreed by the broadcaster and Tournament Manager.

Anthem team A

If the host nation is playing, their anthem would be played second, regardless of whether they were Team A or Team B.

Anthem team B

Cultural challenges

In Sevens and other multi-match events, the cultural challenge is usually performed after the match. 

You should confirm in advance whether one or both teams are performing a cultural challenge. 

Where both teams are performing challenges, the team that has won the coin toss will perform their challenge first. The other team may respond after the team that won the coin toss starts or wait until they finish before responding.

The rule is in place to protect the unique cultural traditions of Rugby and recognising Rugby’s core value of sportsmanship.

Tonga performs its cultural challenge prior to kickoff

Final preparations

Look for confirmation from the broadcaster that they are clear for the match to begin. When ready, signal to the referee with the pre-agreed signal.

Kickoff

The tournament is underway.