In line with World Rugby’s Game on Global Law Variations, BC Rugby is pleased to announce key updates to its Rules of Competition for Senior Rugby aimed at making Rugby a safer, more accessible sport for all.
The changes, which have been approved by the BC Rugby Board as recommended by the BC Rugby Competitions Committee, will come into effect for the 2022/23 season and endeavour to further advance accessibility and player welfare at the community level.
Beginning this Fall season, rolling substitutions will be introduced across all BC Rugby Senior Leagues, excluding the Men’s and Women’s Premier Leagues.
While there will still be a 23-player limit on each team’s roster, players will be free to substitute in and out of games without the previous limit of eight exchanges. Substitutions must still happen at the proper stoppages of play as facilitated by the Match Official.
Matches in Division 1 and below will also be able to play for points with fewer than 15 players on the field. Trialled with the lowest divisions in Men’s and Women’s competition this past Spring, the allowance is aimed to deter cancellations when Teams find themselves a few players short. Changes will now require 24 hours notice to opponents, who will be required to mirror the same number of players on the field.
“It’s great to see key Game on Global Law Variations being adopted for BC Rugby’s Senior Leagues. The objective of Game On Global is to make the community game safer and more enjoyable, and I congratulate the BC Rugby Competition Committee for making that a priority in the design of their Senior Competitions.” Jennifer Gray, Regional Partnerships Manager (RAN) with World Rugby
RESTRICTION ON IMPORT PLAYERS IN PREMIER LEAGUES REMOVED
Another key change has been to remove the restriction on ‘Import’ Players in Premier League competitions, while the restriction on playing capped, carded, or contracted Players has been increased from four to five Players.
“Premier League players should be playing at Premier League level and, in line with our Code of Conduct, we want to strengthen our commitment to be inclusive for all. Welcoming paying members, no matter where they have come from, is a tangible way to continue to grow all competitions and ensure our Premier competition welcomes the best amateur players residing in British Columbia.” John Tait, BC Rugby Technical Director
In support of these changes, BC Rugby is pleased to confirm the return of the McKechnie Cup and Dunbar Keg Men’s Competitions this Fall which will focus on working with players that are on the pathway to Senior and U20 Men’s National Team selection. As such, the Dunbar Keg competition has been changed from a U23 competition to being for players aged between 18 and 20 years of age.
Given the timing of the Rugby World Cup this fall in New Zealand, the Ruth Hellrud-Brown Cup will be scheduled for a time in 2023 to compliment the new cycle for the National Women’s Teams.
The BC Rugby Senior Rules of Competition can be found here.
World Rugby introduced the Game on Global Law Variations in November 2021 to accelerate sustainable Rugby at the community level beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, and improve safety for all participants.
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BC Rugby gratefully acknowledges that its offices reside on the traditional and unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
