A quick reference to the laws of the game: Youth & Senior

U7 to U12 age grades

Playing regulations are detailed in the RFU/RFUW Rugby Continuum that can be found on the RFU’s web site in section 6 (U19 variations) of the Rugby continuum under ‘Officiating’.

Lower age band (U14)

This age band takes into account U12s U13s and U14s. A girl at U12 is permitted to register with a mixed team and a girls only team. Matches are played to the RFU boys U14 Laws apart from the modifications below.

• 25 minute halves (No extra time is permitted in any match except that added for injuries.)
• size 4 ball
• 12 a side (aim to match lower numbers where necessary)
• uncontested scrums
• no wheeling the scrum
• lifting and support in lineouts is prohibited
• substitutes may replace injured players
• hand off is permitted
• fly-hacking is permitted (where not dangerous)
• Played across half a pitch with touch marked at the 10m and 5m lines

Upper age band (U17)

This age band takes into account U15s U16s and U17s. Players aged 17 on 1^st September. should normally move up into adult rugby. In exceptional circumstances they may elect to remain in the U17 age band with written approval from the RFUW. Only two such overage players may be allowed on the pitch at once. Matches are played to RFU U17 laws (detailed under U19 variations).

Key points are:

• 35 minute halves
• size 5 ball
• 1.5m push only in scrum
• no wheeling beyond 45 degrees
• Teams may use any number of substitutions or replacements by mutual agreement between coaches.
• A player who has been substituted may replace an injured player
• Full pitch size

Senior Variations

Premier 1, 2 and National Challenge 1 play in accordance with current IRB laws (www.irb.com).

Challenge 2 and below play in accordance with current IRB laws apart from the following variations:

• 35 minute halves
• 1.5m push only in scrum
• no wheeling beyond 45 degrees
• substitutes can replace injured players
• all matches can be played with reduced numbers to encourage games to take place (i.e. 15, 12, 10a side)

NB: Players moving up an age band may start to train fully with older players as of 1^st August preceding the new season.

Laws of the Game are available in the RFUW Handbook

Rugby Football Union for Women

Rugby House, Rugby Road

Twickenham , Middlesex

TW1 1DS

Tel: 020 8831 7996

Website Links  www.rfu.com/rfuw.htm  

Youth Laws of Play and Variations under the ‘Youth’ section of ‘Women’s Rugby’.

‘Senior Rules and Regulations under the ‘Resources’ section of ‘Women’s Rugby’.