What are the New Rules of Play?

RFU: “In short, the NRoP provide a progressive player pathway that will enhance the way in which players are developed in a more incremental manner. They provide a game which is in line with the principles of Child Development based on extensive research and expertise and increase involvement of all players.”

The links in green below enable access to the appropriate Regulations for each age grade. Good luck!

 

What are the rules for U7s to U11s?


The RFU Regulations, which are mandatory: 

Structure

Get Started

Tackle

Scrum

Lineout

Contest for ball

Kicking

Age Group

School Year

Max Number

Max Pitch Size

Ball Size

Max Number

Contest

Max Number

Contest

Ruck

Maul

From Hand

At Goal

U7

2

4

20x12

3

No – Tag only

N/A

N/A

N/A –free pass

N/A –free pass

N/A

N/A

No

No

U8

3

6

45x22

3

No – Tag only

N/A

N/A

N/A –free pass

N/A –free pass

N/A

N/A

No

No

U9

4

7

60x30

3

Yes – including ‘hold’

N/A

N/A

N/A –free pass

N/A –free pass

No

No

No

No

U10

5

8

60x35

4

Yes

Nearest 3

Uncontested

N/A –free pass

N/A –free pass

Yes – limit of 1 supporting player

Yes – limit of 1 supporting player

No

No

U11

6

9

60x43

4

Yes

Nearest 3

Strike only,  no push

N/A –free pass

N/A –free pass

Yes – limit of 2 supporting players

Yes – limit of 2 supporting players

Yes – fly-hack not permitted

No

 

What are the rules for U12s?

The Regulations, which are mandatory: U12

Structure

Get Started

Tackle

Scrum

Lineout

Contest for ball

Kicking

Age Group

School Year

Max Number

Max Pitch Size

Ball Size

Max Number

Contest

Max Number

Contest

Ruck

Maul

From Hand

At Goal

U12

7

12

60x43

4

Yes

Nearest 5

Strike only,  no push

N/A –free pass

N/A –free pass

Yes

Yes

Yes – fly-hack not permitted

No

 

What are the rules for U13s?

The Regulations, which are mandatory:

U13
U13 Girls

Structure

Get Started

Tackle

Scrum

Lineout

Contest for ball

Kicking

Age Group

School Year

Max Number

Max Pitch Size

Ball Size

Max Number

Contest

Max Number

Contest

Ruck

Maul

From Hand

At Goal

U13

8

13

90x60

4

Yes

6  -trained and willing

Strike and push

N/A –free pass

N/A –free pass

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

 

What are the rules for U14s?

The Regulations, which are mandatory: U14

Structure

Get Started

Tackle

Scrum

Lineout

Contest for ball

Kicking

Age Group

School Year

Max Number

Max Pitch Size

Ball Size

Max Number

Contest

Max Number

Contest

Ruck

Maul

From Hand

At Goal

U14

9

15

100x70

4

Yes

8 -trained and willing

Strike and push

3

Uncontested

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

 

What are the rules for U15s to U18s?

The Regulations, which are mandatory:

U15 to U18 Boys
U15 to U18 Girls

If we don’t play to the Rules what will be the sanctions?
What are the risks if we don’t play to the New Rules of Play?

Activity outside of the rules will be non-compliant with RFU Regulation and could be subject to sanctions. RFU is likely to do its best to educate, but it does have powers at its disposal.

Regulation 5.12 states that “The Union shall have power to discipline any (a) Member, (b) Rugby Body, … (d) player, official, member or employee of a Member or a Rugby Body or (e) any other person or body that submits to Union’s – to discipline them for any infringement of ….. the RFU Regulations …

We (Kent Schools RFU) very much doubt if these powers would be used other than in exceptional circumstances, but there is a much more serious issue to be aware of: The RoP are partly born from a desire to develop players safely and enjoyably. Failure to take the advice they infer may leave a school in a vulnerable position were litigation to arise for any reason.


I don’t understand the Rules of Play, where do I go to get advice?

There are a number of ways – work with other schools and clubs, contact your local Rugby Development Officer or contact – schools@rfu.com