Law Variations Explained
In the 2026 Community Rugby season a number of Experimental Domestic Safety Law Variations will be applied amongst senior and secondary school grades. The table below highlights which laws are applicable to which grade.
All tackles must target, and initially contact, below the sternum. That means the tummy or below, sanction PK.
If a second tackler arrives, that player is subject to the standard high tackle law, no higher than the ball carrier's shoulder line, sanction PK.
If two or more tacklers arrive at the same time, at least one must target and initially contact below the sternum, while the other or others follow the existing high tackle law, sanction PK.
Offside at Scrum
All Grades
If the halfback of the team not in possession opts to stay at the tunnel, they must remain within 1m of the scrum and cannot advance past the tunnel until the scrum has ended, sanction PK.
Scrum Push, 1.5m
Non-Premier Senior Rugby
1.5m maximum push, unless within 5m of the goal line, sanction FK.
Foul Play, 20 Min Red Card
All Grades
If a player receives a red card, they may be replaced after 20 minutes by another player.
For more information on the law trials, click the link below.
Experimental Domestic Safety Law Variations →
Premier Grades
- Premier Division 1
- Premier Division 2
- Premier Division 3
Rules
Game Time: 80 Minutes
Tackle Below Sternum: Yes, PK
Second Tackler Under Shoulder: Yes, PK
Two Tacklers: One below sternum, one below shoulders, PK
Half Back Offside: Within 1m of scrum, not past tunnel
Scrum: No push limit
Uncontested Lineouts: Play on if uncontested, otherwise FK
Red Card: Replacement after 20 minutes
Non-Premier Grades
- First Grade
- Womens Dev
- Men's Colts
- Women's 10s
- Presidents
- Premier Womens Div 2
Rules
Game Time:
Presidents, 60 Minutes
Women's 10s, 40 Minutes
All Others, 80 Minutes
Tackle Below Sternum: Yes, PK
Second Tackler Under Shoulder: Yes, PK
Two Tacklers: One below sternum, one below shoulders, PK
Half Back Offside: Within 1m of scrum, not past tunnel
Scrum: 1.5m push limit, unless on 5m line then no push limit
Uncontested Lineouts: Play on if uncontested, otherwise FK
Red Card: Replacement after 20 minutes
School Rugby
Game Times
1A/B/RA/RB, 2A/B/C, Girls 1st XV: 70 Minutes
U15A/B, U14A/B, 5A/B, 6A/B: 60 Minutes
Girls 10s: 40 Minutes
Rules
Tackle Below Sternum: Yes, PK
Second Tackler Under Shoulder: Yes, PK
Two Tacklers: One below sternum, one below shoulders, PK
Half Back Offside: Within 1m of scrum, not past tunnel
Scrum: 1.5m push limit
Uncontested Lineouts: Play on if uncontested, otherwise FK
Red Card: Replacement after 20 minutes
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