Uncontested Scrums, what is the process?
“Scrums must become uncontested when there are no suitably-trained and experienced front row players available to form and complete a scrum. This can be caused by player injury or as a result of a yellow or red card.”
PLEASE SEE THE FOLLOWING UPDATE FROM THE RFU MATCH OFFICIAL TEAM WITH REGARDS TO SCENARIOS RELATING TO WHEN UNCONTESTED SCRUMS MAY OCCUR.
Questions raised recently in the National Leagues and community game, have highlighted widespread confusion over teams being unable to replace a front row player, leading to uncontested scrums.
We have therefore revised the front row logic tree to offer further explanation, which Is shown below.
The infographic is a reference guide prepared in consultation with practitioners and specialist professional staff, for sharing with your members and through your networks. Please ensure that you always check the competition regulations in place at the time of any match.
PLEASE NOTE: The reason for the removal of a FR player ‘FIRST TIME OF ASKING’ is irrelevant to the logic tree.
Example: The fact that the 1st FR player was removed due to injury caused by foul play, has no bearing on the number of players a team is permitted to play with when the 2nd FR receives a yellow card and there are no further FR replacements.
Outcome: Player is not replaced Max 14, Uncontested Scums.
Uncontested Scrums? How many players must be in the scrum?
Simply put, 8!
Please read law 3.13- 3.16
Confused? Does this contradict other laws?
Confusion arises (for referees, players and coaches) around reducing the number of players in a CONTESTED scrum. If the scrums remain contested and Team Red have a player in the sinbin, they can choose to play with only 7 players in the scrum. Team Blue do not have to match and can play with 8 in the scrum.
This is covered by Law 19.6
https://www.world.rugby/the-game/laws/law/1
Final thoughts.
1. Finish the game with uncontested scrums, unless there are other non related safety concerns, do not abandon the match.
2. Do not get involved in any discussions with coaches, captains or player about “what happens next?”.
If a league game experiences uncontested scrums the team managers should contact their league secretary, but this is not your responsibility. Please do not entertain discussions about a team forfeiting the game, points been awarded etc.
It may be useful to note the time and score when the game moved to uncontested scrums just in case the league secretary asks you for any relevant facts.
3. Contested Scrum Under 19s and below.
19.6 a. 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.
b. When a team is reduced to fewer than 15 for any reason, the number of players in each team in the contested scrum must be similarly reduced.
c. Where a permitted reduction is made in the scrum by one team, the other team must reduce their scrum accordingly, down to a minimum of five.
d. Where there is an incomplete scrum, it must be formed as follows:
i. Seven players – three-four formation (i.e. no number eight).
ii. Six players – three-two-one formation (i.e. no flankers).
iii. Five players – three-two formation (i.e. no flankers or number eight).