Section 4: Players & Officials
Number of Players (Law 3 – World Rugby Laws of the Game 2024)
Under Law 3.1, a match is played between two teams each consisting of a maximum of fifteen (15) players. A team may start a match with fewer than fifteen players only with the agreement of the opposing team.
Law 3.3 permits a maximum of eight (8) replacements (substitutes) per team to be nominated before the match. These players may take the field only to replace an injured player or to serve as a tactical replacement, subject to Law 3.4–3.10.
Player Numbering and Positions (Law 3.1)
Players are numbered 1–15, with numbers 16–23 assigned to replacements. Conventional positional groupings are:
- Forwards (Nos. 1–8): Loosehead prop (1), hooker (2), tighthead prop (3), left lock/second row (4), right lock/second row (5), blindside flanker (6), openside flanker (7), number eight (8)
- Backs (Nos. 9–15): Scrum-half (9), fly-half/outside-half (10), left wing (11), inside centre (12), outside centre (13), right wing (14), fullback (15)
Replacements (Law 3.4–3.10)
A player who has been replaced may not return to the field except to replace a player with a blood injury (Law 3.5, temporary blood replacement) or as a front-row replacement when no other suitably trained front-row player is available (Law 3.7). A player replaced for a head injury assessment (HIA) under the Concussion Management Protocols may return subject to World Rugby HIA protocols. Tactical replacements are permanent; a tactically replaced player may not return (Law 3.6).
Under Law 3.9, if a team is reduced to fewer than fifteen players due to red cards, the match continues but the opposing team does not reduce its numbers. The match may not be abandoned solely because a team has fewer than fifteen players on the field.
Team Officials on the Pitch
Water carriers and medical personnel may enter the field of play only with the referee's permission (except in a genuine medical emergency) and must leave immediately when instructed (Law 3.10).
Match Officials (Law 6 – World Rugby Laws of the Game 2024)
Law 6.1 defines the match officials for a rugby union match:
- Referee (1): The sole judge of fact and law during the match. Has full authority over all match officials and players from the moment of arrival at the ground until departure. Keeps time, keeps score, and controls the game.
- Assistant Referees (2): Formerly called "touch judges." Positioned along the touchlines. Primary duties include indicating when the ball or player is in touch, assisting the referee with foul play observation, and assisting with decisions at goal (Law 6.2).
- Television Match Official (TMO): Used in matches where television replays are available. The TMO may be consulted by the referee to review certain decisions under the TMO Protocol published by World Rugby. The TMO may initiate a review for a Try/No Try decision or foul play involving a yellow or red card (as of the 2022 World Rugby TMO Protocol update).
- Match Commissioner/Fourth Official: May be appointed for high-level matches to assist with administrative duties.
Under Law 6.5, a referee must not be a member of either team's union. Referees must wear a distinctive colour jersey that does not conflict with either team's colours.
Law 6.6 states that the referee's decisions are final. Players must not dispute a referee's decision; disputing may constitute misconduct under Law 9.