International Laws of the Game (13s+)
Junior International (13-18) and Senior (19+) competitions both play under the International Laws of the game
While junior International games are played under the same rules as the adult game, for teams in Under 13 - Under 15 age groups, matches are also played under the National Safeplay Code (for all players 15 years and under) which was developed to emphasize safety and good conduct within the game by creating the best possible on-field environment as well as actively controlling undesirable actions. Click here to view or download the Code.
To download or view a copy of the International Laws please click on the icon below:
2021 UPDATE
The 2020 Rugby League Laws of the Game – International Level is currently being updated to include the changes for 2021. These apply to all matches involving under 13s and above.
The three changes that have been implemented for 2021 are described below:-
- Premature Breaking from the Scrum
Where a player(s) break from the scrum before the referee’s call of ‘break’, a full penalty will be awarded to the non-offending team.
The team receiving the penalty will have the option of re-packing the scrum. If the scrum is re-packed and a player(s) again break before the referee is satisfied the ball has emerged correctly from the scrum, a further penalty will be awarded, and one of the offending players will be sent to the Sin-Bin. - Play-the-Ball Restarts after ball or player finds touch.
Where play is stopped because the ball or a player in possession of the ball has entered touch in general play, other than a restart (kick-off, goal-line drop-out, 20-metre drop-out or 20-metre optional restart), a 40/20, play will restart with a Play-the-Ball by the non-offending team.
The position of the Play-the-Ball will be 20-metres from the touchline and no closer than 10-metres from a goal line.
The referee will give ‘reasonable’ time to restart play. - 2 Point Field Goal.
Two points will be awarded for a successful field goal kicked during general play from outside the opposition 40-metre line.
