Law and Application
Advice on the application of Law in certain scenarios are highlighted below.
Application scenarios (subject to approved local variation)
Players:
If a team is discovered to have too many players on the pitch, then at the time that the error is identified the team is returned to the correct number and the score remains unaltered and a penalty is awarded to the non-offending team (Law 03.03).
Replacements:
Tactically replaced players may only re-join the match when replacing (Law 03.33):
- An injured front row player
- A player with a blood injury
- A player with a head injury
- A player who has just been injured as a result of foul-play (as verified by the Match Officials)
- The nominated player described in Law 03.19 or 03.20 (temporary and permanent front row suspension).
If all of their replacements have been made, teams may choose to remove a player tactically and play with fewer players. In this case the removed player is eligible to return to the field if required.
When can a replacement be made?
The table below indicates when a replacement can be made:
Event |
Replacement can occur or Yellow Card can return |
Replacement should wait |
| Scrum | Before the Scrum is ready to be formed | During a reset |
| Lineout | If not being taken quickly | Quick Lineout option is still available |
| 22m Drop-out | While underway | |
| Try Line Drop-out | ||
| After a try is scored | At any time before the restart | |
| Match Clock is stopped | At any time before the clock restarts | |
| A penalty has been given |
Judgement should be used on how it will affect the team that has been awarded the penalty. Be aware that the referee may stop the replacement happening at that time. |
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