The upcoming Singer Schools Rugby League will be following the Under 19 structure as prescribed by World Rugby and there will be amendments to the game, in terms of scrummaging, game time and player lineups.
The Under 19 deviation is a standard playing structure devised by World Rugby in a bid to differentiate senior rugby and age-group rugby. The rule structure that came into existence last year will be now in place for this year’s schools rugby tournament.
“Last year the rule changes came in when the tournament was ongoing. It was not practical for us to make changes then but this year’s tournament will run according to the Under 19 structure” added a representative from the Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association (SLSRFA).
With the under 19 structure in place, there will be key changes in the schools rugby tournament. The key changes will be as follows:
1. Game time: A match will last 70 minutes (split into two halves, each of not more than 35 minutes) plus time lost. No extra-time is permissible.
2. Scrummaging –
- In an eight-person scrum, the formation must be 3-4-1, with the single player (normally the number eight) shoving on the two locks. The locks must pack with their heads on either side of the hooker.
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The Flankers will need to bind alongside the Second Row players and not with the Number 8. Photo by World Rugby All players in the three front-row positions and the two lock positions must be suitably trained for these positions. If a team cannot field such suitably trained players for whatever reason, then the referee must order uncontested scrums.
- Resetting of the scrum is only possible If the scrum is unintentionally wheeled through more than 45 degrees.
- Restricted practices in the scrums will include:
- Pushing the scrum more than 1.5 metres towards the opponents’ goal line. This will result in a free kick
- intentionally wheeling the scrum. This will result in a penalty
3. Rolling Replacements –
- A player who has been tactically replaced may replace any injured player.
However, the tournament age guidelines will continue as same with no change in the maximum and minimum age restrictions. Adding further on the changes, SLSRFA mentioned that it was of utmost importance for the governing body to bring in the changes prior to the league’s kick off.
“Currently according to World Rugby, any rugby played above Under 19 level is considered professional rugby and we cannot apply those rules to the schools structure.”
“The main tournament for the players who participate for the Singer Schools League is to represent the country at the Asia Under 19 Championship. That too is under the World Rugby Under 19 structure. So it is important that we fall in line”
Hence this regulation will apply for all of the schools rugby games conducted under the purview of the Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association (SLSRFA) over the coming months.
The 2018 edition of the Schools Rugby League will kick off on the 3rd of March 2018
More information on the Under 19 Structure can be found here
