Law 3 : Number of Players - The Team, 3.4 Players nominated as substitutes
International teams permitted to nominate up to eight replacements
CURRENT LAW
3.4 Players nominated as substitutes
For international matches a Union may nominate up to seven replacements / substitutes.
AMENDED LAW
3.4 Players nominated as substitutes
For international matches a Union may nominate up to eight replacements / substitutes.
Please note - Law 3.4 trial is for application from the November 2012 window international matches.
(Seven-a-side)
Sevens variation for replacements /substitutes - effective June 1 2012
CURRENT LAW
3.4 Players nominated as substitutes
A team may nominate no more than five replacements/substitutes.
A team may substitute or replace up to three players.
AMENDED LAW
3.4 Players nominated as substitutes
A team may nominate up to five replacements/substitutes.
A team may substitute or replace up to five players.
Law 4 : Players' Clothing
GPS monitors may be worn
Council confirmed that the current provisions relating to Union dispensation for the use of GPS equipment will continue. Details can be obtained for the IRB Technical Services Department.
4.2 Special additional items for women
Female players allowed to wear tightsCurrent Law 4.2 to become 4.2(a)
Add new 4.2(b)
Female players may wear cotton blend long tights with single inside leg seam under their shorts and socks.
4.3 Studs
Specific sole configuration approved for trial
The sole configuration below was approved for trial:
Save for the above configuration, studs must be compliant with Law 4 and IRB Specifications (Regulation 12).
Law 6 : Match Officials
6.A.6 Referee consulting with others
Extension to the jurisdiction of the TMO
Council approved trials which will extend the powers of the TMO. The trials will take place in selected competitions and protocols will be circulated at a later date.
Law 9 : Method of Scoring
9.B.1 Taking a conversion kick
Conversions to be completed within 90 seconds of try
CURRENT LAW
9.B.1 Taking a conversion kick
(e) The kicker must take the kick within one minute from the time the kicker has indicated an intention to kick. The intention to kick is signalled by the arrival of the kicking tee or sand, or the player makes a mark on the ground. The player must complete the kick within the minute even if the ball rolls over and has to be placed again.
Sanction: The kick is disallowed if the kicker does not take the kick within the time allowed
AMENDED LAW
9.B.1 Taking a conversion kick
(e) The kicker must take the kick within one minute and thirty seconds (ninety seconds) from the time a try has been scored. The player must complete the kick within one minute and thirty seconds even if the ball rolls over and has to be placed again.
Sanction: The kick is disallowed if the kicker does not take the kick within the time allowed
Law 12 : Knock-on or Throw forward
12.1 The outcome of a knock-on or throw forward
Quick throw-in after knock-on or throw forward
Add new 12.1(e)
Knock-on or throw forward into to touch. When the ball goes into touch from a knock-on or throw forward, the non-offending team will be offered the choice of a lineout at the point the ball crossed the touch line or a scrum at the place of the knock-on or throw forward. The non-offending team may exercise the former option by taking a quick throw-in.
Current Law 12.1(e) becomes 12.1(f)
Law 16 : Ruck
16.7 Unsuccessful end to a ruck
Five seconds to play the ball from the back of the ruck
Add new 16.7(c):
When the ball has been clearly won by a team at a ruck and the ball is available to be played the referee will call "Use it!" after which the ball must be played within five seconds. If the ball is not played within the five seconds the referee will award a scrum and the team not in possession of the ball at the ruck is awarded the throw in.
Law 19 : Touch and Lineout
19.2 Quick throw-in
Position of thrower at quick throw-in
CURRENT LAW
19.2 Quick throw-in
(b) For a quick throw-in, the player may be anywhere outside the field of play between the place where the ball went into touch and the players goal line.
AMENDED LAW
19.2 Quick throw-in
(b) For a quick throw in, the player may be anywhere outside the field of play between the line of touch and the player’s goal line.
Law 20 : Scrum
20.1 Forming a scrum
Changed scrum engagement sequence
CURRENT LAW
20.1 Forming a scrum
(g) The referee will call “crouch” then “touch”. The front rows crouch and using their outside arm each prop touches the point of the opposing props outside shoulder. The props then withdraw their arms. The referee will then call “pause”. Following a pause the referee will then call “engage”. The front rows may then engage. The “engage” call is not a command but an indication that the front rows may come together when ready.
AMENDED LAW
20.1 Forming a scrum
(g) The referee will call “crouch” then “touch”. The front rows crouch and using their outside arm; each prop touches the point of the opposing prop’s outside shoulder. The props then withdraw their arms. The referee will then call “set” when the front rows are ready. The front rows may then engage. The “set” call is not a command but an indication that the front rows may come together when ready.
Law 21 : Penalty and Free Kicks
21.4 Penalty and free kick options and requirements
Lineout alternative
Add new 21.4(b)
(b) Lineout alternative. A team awarded a penalty or a free kick at a lineout may choose a further lineout, they throw-in. This is in addition to the scrum option.
Current 21.4(b) to (k) becomes (c) to (l)
