The request for a Ruling arises from the ending of two recent international matches and is in relation to the way a restart takes place following the referee’s communication that it is to be the “last play” of the match.
If the ball is kicked directly out on the full from the restart it should be left to the referee’s discretion to decide whether:
(a) If Law 10.2 (a) Intentionally Offending has occurred
(b) If Law 13.8 Kick offs/ Restarts has been fully complied with.
Observation:
The Laws relating to Kick Offs/Restarts for 15-a-side matches would benefit immensely from the variation to Law 13.7, 13.8 and 13.9 currently operating for seven-a-side rugby, which are quite specific, in that, it is a free kick to the nonoffending team should a team infringe the above.
Ruling of the Designated Members of the Rugby Committee
The Designated Members have ruled that if there has been a score towards the end of the game and there is time for the kick off to take place but time will expire immediately after the kick and the kicker:
a) Does not kick the ball ten metres [13.7]Kicks the ball directly into touch [13.9]
b) Kicks the ball dead on or over the opponents touch-in-goal or dead ball line [13.8]
c)
The referee will offer the non-offending team the options provided by Law 13.7, 13.8 and 13.9 respectively and the match continues until the ball next becomes dead.
RFU Regulations update 25th August 2009
RFU Regulation 7.2 and 7.3 update (final) link to .pdf
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Change to Game Regulations 7.2 & 7.3. You may, in the past week or so, have received notification of changes to Game Regulations 7.2 and 7.3. This may have been via your CB, a League representative, or you may have seen it within the RFU 2009-10 Handbook. The Regulation has, however, now been revised as the iRB has ruled that it is not permissible for the referee to require that an additional player be removed from the field of play when a front row player is temporarily or permanently suspended and uncontested scrums result. The intention of the new Regulation is to minimise the occurrence of uncontested scrums and the RFU has now adopted what will be known as the ‘Man Off’ Rule. The attached should now be considered as RFU Game Regulations 7.2 and 7.3 for season 2009/10 and the previous notice, as well as the version in the RFU Handbook on pages 206-7, ignored. The attachment also contains a summary table reflecting how the new Regulation will ‘work’ in practice. Should you have any questions, please contact either me your Referee Development Manager. Regards
Richard Glynne-Jones
Referee Manager
http://www.rfu.com/regulations/ for the game regulations
Tables of 'Man Off' rule and Replacement requirements is at 'Law Updates 2009'.
Law changes for season 2009/10 in a table for 'easy' reading
http://www.irb.com/mm/document/lawsregs/0/090430sglaexplanatory_7684.pdf
1. 090511 SG IRB Ruling 4 2009
To: Secretaries / CEOs of Unions and Regional Associations in Membership
From: David Carrigy, Head of External & Member Relations
Subject: Law Ruling by Designated Members of Rugby Committee
Date: May 11, 2009
Ruling: 4: 2009
Ruling Request from the NZRU and ARU Law 15 and 16
Law 15 6 (b) states:
After a tackle any players on their feet may attempt to gain possession by taking the
ball from the ball carriers possession.
Law 16.1 (b) states:
How can a ruck form? Players are on their feet. At least one player must be in
physical contact with an opponent. The ball is on the ground.
Law 16.4 (b) states:
(b) Players must not handle the ball in a ruck.
When a player has complied with Law 15 6 (b), is on his feet and playing the ball after
a tackle and is then joined by an opposition player on his feet so that the situation
outlined in 16 1 (b) occurs, can the player who has complied with Law 15 6 (b) continue
to play the ball with his hands or at what point does he have to release the ball?
This does not appear to be covered by Law.
Ruling
Law 15 6 (a) states: After a tackle, all other players must be on their feet when they
play the ball. .......
Law 15.6 (b) reads: After a tackle any player on their feet may attempt to gain
possession by taking the ball from the ball carriers possession.
Law 15 5 (e) states that: If opposition players who are on their feet, the tackled player
must release the ball.
This indicates that after a tackle a player on his feet may play the ball.
Law 16 1 (b) states: How can a ruck form? Players are on their feet. At least one
player must be in physical contact with an opponent. The ball is on the ground.
Law 16.1 refers to a player from each side in physical contact over the ball and implies
that the ball is not in the possession of any player.
Providing a player from either side on their feet after a tackle comply with all aspects of
Law 15 and have the ball in their hands prior to contact with an opposition player on
his feet those players may continue with possession of the ball even if a player from
the opposition makes contact with those players in possession of the ball.
Any other players joining the two players contesting the ball must not handle the ball in
accordance with Law 16.4 (b). If the ball is not in possession of any player after a
tackle and a ruck is formed players may not use their hands in accordance with Law
16.4 (b).
The Ruling is effective from May 23 for the start of matches in the June window
and after the close of any domestic or cross border competitions
Yours sincerely
David Carrigy
Head of External & Member Relations
RFU.com 
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