Information
9.5 If a team is unable to field the required number of front row players to start a match, as outlined in law 3.5 below, and as a result the match must begin with uncontested scrums the following will be the consequence:
1. The team who are unable to field a full front row will be restricted to fielding 14 players only and will not be allowed to make any substitutions.
2. If the team who are unable to field a front row win they are entitled to a maximum of two points (unless they score four or more tries in which case they will be entitled to three points)
3. If the team who are unable to field a front row lose but score four tries they are entitled to one point.
4. The opposing team are entitled to a MIMIMUM of two points even if they lose without scoring four tries or being within 7 points.
5. If the opposing team lose and score four tries they are entitled to three points.
6. If the opposing team lose and are within 7 points they are entitled to three points.
7. If the opposing team lose, score four tries and are within 7 points they are entitled to four points.
8. If there is a draw the team unable to field a front row shall be entitled to one point and the opposing team shall be entitled to three points plus a bonus point should they score four tries or more.
If a team is capable of beginning a match with contested scrums but fail to nominate the required number of additional players capable of playing in front row positions their squad size will be reduced as per law 3.5 below.
If after injuries and/or a red card /yellow given to a front row player the captain of that team declares that he has no front row replacements, the match will continue with uncontested scrums and the following shall apply:
1. The team who need to go to uncontested scrums cannot replace the front row player who is leaving the field thereby reducing their number by one.
2. No points restrictions shall apply.
3. Both teams still have use of their substitutes in accordance with the laws of the game.
If a team begin a match with contested scrums and do nominate the required number of players capable of playing in front row positions, as per law 3.5 below, but after injuries and/or a red card /yellow given to front row players the captain of that team declares that he has no front row replacements, the match will continue with uncontested scrums and the following shall apply:
1. The team who need to go to uncontested scrums cannot replace that front row player who is leaving the field thereby reducing their number by one.
2.No points restrictions shall apply.
3. Both teams still have use of their substitutes in accordance with the laws of the game.
If a club cannot satisfy the front row requirements and the above laws are then applied, the said club will provide the Competitions Committee with a written explanation as to why they were unable to field the required front row players. Should a club find itself in the position of being unable to field the requisite front row players on a second occasion then the matter will be investigated by the Competitions Committee and further sanctions and or penalties may be applied.
NOTE: World Rugby Law 3.8 below
3.8 The table indicates the minimum number of front-row players by squad size and the minimum replacement obligations. A match organiser may, having taken player welfare into account, amend the minimum number of front-row players in the squad and the minimum replacement obligations at defined levels of the game.
| Squad size | Minimum number of front row players in the squad | Must be able to replace at the first time of asking |
|---|---|---|
| 15 or fewer | 3 | - |
| 16, 17 or 18 | 4 | Either a prop or a hooker |
| 19, 20, 21 or 22 | 5 | Both a prop and a hooker |
| 23 | 6 | Loose-head prop, tight-head prop and hooker |
3.9 Where the match organiser has determined squad sizes of 23 and a team is able to nominate only two front-row replacements, then that team may nominate only 22 players in their squad.
3.10 Prior to the match, each team must advise the appropriate match official of their front-row players and possible front-row replacements and which position(s) in the front row they can play. Only these players may play in the front row when the scrum is contested and only in their designated position(s).
3.11 A replacement front-row player may start the match in another position.
3.12 It is a team’s responsibility to ensure that all front-row players and front-row replacements are suitably trained and experienced.
END NOTE