GAME ON: Don't have 15 players? Don't have replacement Front Rowers? Game On means club and school rugby still kicks off

In 2020 New Zealand Rugby (NZR) are introducing the concept of ‘Game On’ into all Senior Club and Secondary School community rugby across New Zealand. The ‘Game On’ initiative has been designed to eliminate defaults occurring. Within the North Harbour (NHRU) region we had 37 defaults in 2019. NZR have given autonomy to Provincial Unions around which grades will be ‘Game On’ grades and what local rules apply within.  ‘Game On’ will apply to all club grades excluding Premier 1 and all school grades excluding 1st XV 1A.

NZR have given guidance via the website (nzrugby.co.nz/game-on) around how ‘Game On’ should be played out. In summary:

• The rugby match will play under the Game On approach if a team has less than 15 players and/or less than 3 front row players. Player welfare should be considered in all cases where teams present with less than 22 player

1. Team Size

Agreement between 10 - 15 a side. In the event of no agreement, decision defers to team with smallest number of available players. Teams who reduce numbers are allowed to maintain substitute players. For example, a team with 13 players are able to play 10-a-side and utilise three substitute players.

2. Rolling Subs

Rolling Subs are to be used during Senior Club Rugby matches, unless otherwise agreed. 

3. Contested or uncontested scrums

Subject to availability of minimum of three qualified front rowers in starting 15. There is no requirement to have additional front rowers as named replacements.

4. Match length

If no agreement, revert to following match lengths based on Club/School and Team Size.

• CLUB RUGBY: CLICK HERE
• SECONDARY SCHOOL RUGBY: CLICK HERE

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5. Reporting

Game on team to complete the Game On Web form and submit to North Harbour Rugby Union by the following Monday 9am.

• CLUB REPORTING: CLICK HERE

• SECONDARY SCHOOL REPORTING: CLICK HERE​

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NOTES:

• “Game On Team” refers to team that arrived with less players therefore initiating ‘Game On’

• Non Game On team maintain 22 players with rolling subs

• Minimum of 10 players to start a game - under 10 the match will be abandoned

• Any Game On fixture that commences and goes below the minimum of 10 players will be abandoned and therefore the North Harbour Rugby abandoned by-laws apply 

• Game On will not apply in any playoff match