Welcome to Part 2 of this series of lessons on The Laws of the Rugby Universe.


So let's get on with Law No. 3: The Players

READ THE LAW FIRST: http://rugby.hwachong.googlepages.com/law3.pdf


1st Pointer: Player wishing to rejoin the match.
The law states that a player who has left the match and wishes to rejoin the match cannot do so until the referee permits it.

Take Note: usually this will only happen when the play has stopped. You HAVE TO wait for the referee to signal you before you can step onto the pitch. It will result in a PENALTY if you do not do so. In the case where you are a SUBSTITUTE, you need to approach the referee and make known to him your jersey number and the jersey number of the player being substituted.


2nd Pointer: Front Row Forward out of the match.
The law states that if a front row forward is out of the match for whatever reason (sent off, suspended, injured) and there are no further front row player available then uncontested scrums will be awarded.

Take Note: it is NOT the referee's responsibility to know the suitability and availability of front row player replacements. Hence in the case where a scrum were to take place, it is the team's or the captain's responsibility to ALERT the referee of the unavailability of a replacement front row player and request for a replacement be made immediately, or in the case where no other front row forwards is available, request for an uncontested scrum.



That's it for now. End of Lesson.