The Laws of the Game are formulated by the International Rugby Board (IRB) and circulated by the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) in the Laws of the Game Booklet. This booklet can be obtained from the Australian Rugby Union by completing the ARU Resource Order Form.

Law of the Game

The IRB Laws of Rugby Union are outlined in the 2012 IRB Laws of the Game; including IRB U19 Variations, Seven-A-Side Variations and Referee Signals. More information is also available from the IRB website on IRB Regulations, Approved Equipment and Law Rulings.

The Laws of the Game apply to Sevens Rugby, subject to the following Rugby Seven-A-Side Variations (pdf - 316).

The Laws of the Game apply to the Ten-A-Side game, subject to the following Rugby Tens Law Variations (pdf - 52kb). 

Australian U19 Law Variations

In addition to the Laws of the Game, the Australian Rugby Union has adopted Australian Under 19 Law Variations applicable to all matches at Under 19 level played in Australia (except International U19 matches), including those games played by visiting touring teams. 

The Australian Under 19 Law Variations (pdf - 284kb) must be read in conjunction with the IRB’s U19 Law Variations (pdf - 275kb).

TryRugby Kids Pathway Laws

Each game-style of the U6 to U12 TryRugby Kids Pathway has a development skills focus which takes into account the chronological age of the child and their capacity for safe and achieveable rugby skill acquisition

2012 Kids Pathway Laws (pdf - 921kb)

Game Management Guidelines (GMG)

The Game Management Guidelines will aid unions in administration and playing of the game in domestic competitions within Australia. The purpose of this document is to ensure that all participants at the community level are aware of the areas of the game which require more specific coaching and/or consistent refereeing.  It is also reinforced that the Law Book is the only on-field Game Management Document.

2012 Game Management Guidelines (pdf - 545kb)