Game-on community variations
World Rugby · 2026Optional adaptations chosen by unions, regions and organisers for community rugby.
Which adaptations apply?
Game-on provisions are discretionary community adaptations, not automatic rules for every match. Unions and regions may select individual changes without adopting the entire package. Pitches can be adapted to player numbers. Adult players may use size 4, 4.5 or 5 balls. Teams must have equal numbers, with a minimum of 10 players each. Organisers may allow unlimited rolling replacements for uninjured players and require everyone to play at least half a match. Matches should last at least 40 minutes and may use equal halves, quarters or thirds. Conversions may be positioned in front of the posts if stipulated.
Contact and restart options
Organisers can require uncontested scrums, reduce scrum numbers equally or adopt the youth maximum push of 1.5 metres. They may prohibit lifting or contesting at lineouts. The tackle-height options are the ordinary shoulder line, nipple line or waist; with waist-height tackling, the text recommends preventing carriers from lowering their body height and sanctioning double tackles. Under the kicking variation, penalties and free-kicks in the opponents’ half must be tapped and played immediately. The mark variation excludes attacking kicks made inside the 22-metre area. Check the adopted local package before applying these options.
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