LAW 3. NUMBER OF PLAYERS

(1)

A match shall be played by not more than fifteen players in each team.

(2)

When a Union authorizes matches to be played with fewer than fifteen players, the Laws of the Game shall apply except that there will be no fewer than three players in a scrummage at all times.

(3)

Replacement of players shall be allowed in recognized trial matches as determined by the Union having jurisdiction over the match.

(4)

In all other matches, a player may be replaced only on account of injury and subject to the following conditions:

(a)

Not more than four players in each team may be replaced.

(b)

A player who has been permanently replaced must NOT resume playing in the match.

Exceptions:-

(i)

Up to seven players may be replaced in matches between teams of schoolboys or teams where all players are under the age of 21, the age limit being applied from commencement of the official season of the visited Union.

(ii)

in domestic matches as determined by the Union having jurisdiction over the match.

U.S.A.R.F.U. Variation

The replacement of no more than six players on account of injury is permitted throughout the match, provided that any player who has been replaced on account of injury must not resume playing in that match.

Note:-

(i)

When a team names seven (7) replacements at least two (2) of the reserves must cover the front row positions and one the second row forward positions.

(5)

(a)

In matches in which a national representative team is playing, a player may be replaced ONLY when, in the opinion of a medical practitioner, the player is so injured that he should not continue playing in the match.

(b)

For such competition and other domestic matches as a Union gives express permission, an injured player may be replaced

• on the advice of a medically trained person, or
• if a medically trained person is not present, with the approval of the referee.

(c)

For safety reasons, Law6A Note (xi) and Note (xii) will also apply.

(6)

If the referee is advised by a doctor or other medically trained person or for any other reason considers that a player is so injured that it would be harmful for him to continue playing, the referee shall require the player to leave the playing area. For this purpose the referee may also require a player to leave the field to be examined medically.

U.S.A.R.F.U. Directive

Instruction from the I.R.F.B.

A player who is suffering definite concussion should not participate in any match or training session for a period of at least three weeks from the time of injury, and then only subject to being cleared by a proper neurological examination.

(7)

Any objection by either team as regards the number of players in a team may be made to the referee at any time but objections shall not affect any score previously obtained.

Note:-

(ii)

As soon as a referee becomes aware that a team has more than the correct number of players on the field, he must require the captain of that team to reduce the number of players appropriately.