LAWS OF THE GAME • 2026
KNOW THE LAWS. RESPECT THE GAME.
A clear starting point for players, coaches and match officials, with direct access to the official World Rugby laws, updates and learning resources.
Important law updates during 2026
Changes took effect during July and November 2026. Competition implementation dates may vary, so always check the applicable union and competition regulations.
Key 2026 law updates
A practical overview of the main changes. The text published by World Rugby remains the definitive reference.
Hip-drop tackle
Hip-drop tackle wording was added to Law 9.13, alongside an updated Head Contact Process application guideline.
Trials moved into full law
The brake foot, elite water-carrier restrictions, 20-minute red-card replacement and the TMO role became full law where applicable.
Community tackle height
Community tackle-height wording was added to the relevant laws and variations, subject to union implementation.
In-goal restarts
Some situations that previously resulted in a 22-metre drop-out now restart with a try-line drop-out.
The 21 laws of rugby
Quickly identify what each law covers, then select a card to open the complete official law.
The Ground
Dimensions, markings, playing areas and safety requirements around the ground.
VIEW OFFICIAL LAW ↗The Ball
The shape, dimensions and pressure of the ball and the use of replacement balls.
VIEW OFFICIAL LAW ↗The Team
Player numbers, replacements, substitutes and front-row requirements.
VIEW OFFICIAL LAW ↗Players’ Clothing
Permitted clothing and equipment, together with pre-match safety checks.
VIEW OFFICIAL LAW ↗Time
Match duration, half-time, time lost and extra-time arrangements.
VIEW OFFICIAL LAW ↗Match Officials
The authority and duties of the referee, assistants, TMO and other officials.
VIEW OFFICIAL LAW ↗Advantage
When play may continue after an infringement to provide a real tactical or territorial benefit.
VIEW OFFICIAL LAW ↗Scoring
Tries, conversions, penalty goals, drop goals and their points values.
VIEW OFFICIAL LAW ↗Foul Play
Misconduct, dangerous play, cards and sanctions.
VIEW OFFICIAL LAW ↗Offside and Onside
When a player is offside and how that player can become onside again.
VIEW OFFICIAL LAW ↗Knock-on or Throw Forward
How forward movement of the ball is judged and sanctioned.
VIEW OFFICIAL LAW ↗Kick-off and Restarts
How each half begins and how play restarts after scores and stoppages.
VIEW OFFICIAL LAW ↗Players on the Ground
The rights and responsibilities of players and the ball on the ground.
VIEW OFFICIAL LAW ↗Tackle
The requirements of a legal tackle and the duties of all players involved.
VIEW OFFICIAL LAW ↗Ruck
How a ruck forms, legal entry, offside lines and when it ends.
VIEW OFFICIAL LAW ↗Maul
How a maul forms, how players join and how the maul moves and ends.
VIEW OFFICIAL LAW ↗Mark
When a mark may be called and the resulting free-kick.
VIEW OFFICIAL LAW ↗Touch, Quick Throw and Lineout
The ball in touch, quick throws and the formation and conduct of a lineout.
VIEW OFFICIAL LAW ↗Scrum
Scrum formation, engagement, feeding, pushing and safety requirements.
VIEW OFFICIAL LAW ↗Penalty and Free-Kick
Team options, how kicks are taken, required distances and opponent duties.
VIEW OFFICIAL LAW ↗In-goal
Scoring a try, grounding the ball, making it dead and restart outcomes.
VIEW OFFICIAL LAW ↗No matching laws found.
Start with what matters to your role
The laws are the same, but the best starting point depends on your responsibility in the game.
Players
Begin with Laws 9, 10, 14 and 15 to understand safety, tackling, offside and contests for possession.
VIEW THE LAWS ↗Coaches
Focus on team management, time, advantage, restarts, lineout and scrum.
OFFICIAL REFERENCE ↗Match Officials
Review the full laws, official signals, application guidelines and formal clarifications.
REFEREE SIGNALS ↗Rugby Sevens
The core laws apply to sevens with specific variations covering teams, time, restarts and sanctions.
SEVENS VARIATIONS ↗Learn from the source
The full laws, exam, sevens variations, signals and application guidelines are available through World Rugby Passport.
Interactive Laws
Full law text, definitions, videos, variations and official clarifications.
VISIT RESOURCE 022026 Law Book
The official English PDF for download and reference.
VISIT RESOURCE 03Laws Exam
The refreshed World Rugby exam and personalised certificate.
VISIT RESOURCE 04Sevens Variations
The official variations that apply to rugby sevens.
VISIT RESOURCE 05Match Official Signals
Primary and secondary signals used to communicate decisions.
VISIT RESOURCE 06Application Guidelines
Official guidance supporting consistent law application.
VISIT RESOURCEEarn your World Rugby Laws Exam certificate
The refreshed exam contains 60 questions. Registration is free and a personalised certificate can be downloaded after successful completion.
This page is for general education and does not replace the official text. Where there is any difference, the latest World Rugby laws and the applicable union and competition regulations prevail. Some resources or translations may not be available in every language.
