Frequently Asked Questions - Regulations
1. Can a youth or mini player play out of his/her age group?
All players in Mini and Youth Rugby shall play in their own age grade unless they fall within any of the exceptions outlined in their respective regulations. For Youth Rugby (U13 – U18) please go to Youth Regulations or Mini Rugby (U7 – U12) regulations
2. At what age can I contract a player?
Players can only be contracted when they reach 18 years of age.
3. How many Foreign Players can we play in our team?
This number differs from one player on the pitch in the Guinness Premiership, two players in a squad in the National League and there is no limit at Level 5 and below. However, please note that any non-EU player must have the appropriate valid visa to play rugby union in England. For a comprehensive outline of matters relating to non UK players please go to Registration Regulations.
4. At what age can a person play Adult Rugby?
Players who are aged 17 may play adult (including Under 20) rugby and train with adults provided they have been assessed as capable of playing with adults. Permission to play must be obtained from either the player's parent, guardian or head teacher before any person under the age of 18 plays adult rugby. When assessing whether a player under 18 is capable of playing adult rugby, those responsible for making the decision must take account of the guidelines at paragraphs 1.1 - 1.6 of the Guidelines to the Schools & Youth Regulations.
5. Do I have to be registered to play rugby?
Adult players only need to be registered to play in RFU Competitions (e.g. League and Cup). To find out more please go to Player Registration Regulations. There are provisions in the regulations that allow clubs at Level 9 and below more flexibility. To find out more please go to Eligibility – Players.
Youth & Mini players must be registered. Clubs can now register all new players online at www.rfu.com/clubs
6. When during the year can a Mini/Youth player play matches?
Players under 18 years of age may only play in matches between the 1st September and Mayday Bank Holiday Monday inclusive. Players within the Rugby Continuum (U7-U12) may only play Fixtures and Festivals during the period commencing the 5th Sunday of the season (see Youth Structured Season) and ending on the Mayday Bank Holiday Monday. Outside the periods outlined above, players may only participate in training and recruitment initiatives.
7. What do I need to do to take a rugby team on Tour?
For tours going to or coming from Unions other than Wales, Scotland and Ireland you will need RFU approval. To find out more please go to Overseas & Incoming Tours / Matches.
8. What do I need to do if I want to play rugby overseas?
Any player wishing to move from one Union to another must obtain all necessary Clearances (from both Current Union and New Union) before playing in competitions in the New Union as required under iRB Regulation 4.6 Clearance applications are available online at www.rfu.com/playerregistration
9. What are the procedures for postponing a fixture?
Game Regulation 18 deals with these matters.
10. Can men and women play contact rugby together?
Boys and girls can play contact rugby together within the Rugby Continuum (up to U12 age group) but are not permitted to play contact rugby above this age grade.
11. What happens if there is a clash of kit colours?
In the event of Clubs having clashing or similar colours (with the exception of clubs playing in National Divisions 1, 2, 3N & 3S) the home team shall be responsible for changing its colours subject to the satisfaction of the appointed Referee.
12. What are the regulations relating to Front row players and replacements?
Game Regulation 7 deals with these matters.