Rugby union

Regulation field

The ground

The field of play is the area between the goal lines and the touchlines. These lines are not part of the field of play. 

The playing area is the field of play and the in‑­goal areas. The touchlines, touch‑­in‑­goal lines and dead ball lines are not part of the playing area.

The playing enclosure is the playing area and a space around it, not less than 5m where practicable, which is known as the perimeter area.

In‑­goal is the area between the goal line and the dead ball line, and between the touch‑­in‑­goal lines. It includes the goal line but it does not include the dead ball line or the touch‑­in‑­goal lines.

The 22 is the area between the goal line and the 22m line, including the 22m line but excluding the goal line.

Dimensions of the field of play

The field of play is no more than 100m long and 70m wide. Each in‑­goal is not longer than 22m.The distance from the goal line to the dead ball line is not less than 10m. The perimeter area or run‑­off is not less than 5m.

Line markings

Solid line

• The dead ball lines and touch‑­in‑­goal lines outside the in‑­goal areas.
• The goal lines within the in‑­goal areas but outside the field of play
• The 22‑­metre lines parallel to the goal lines.
• The half way line parallel to the goal lines. 
• The touchlines which are outside the field of play.
  

Dash lines

All lines other than solid lines are dash lines 5m long.

There are two sets of dash lines called the 10m dash lines, which are 10m from and parallel to, each side of the half way line. The 10m dash lines intersect the dash lines which are 5m and 15m parallel to each touch line.

There are two sets of dash lines which are 5m from and parallel to, each touch line. These are the 5m dash lines. They run from the 5m dash lines, which are parallel to each goal line and intersect both 22m lines, both 10m dash lines and the half way line. 

There are two sets of dash lines which are 15m from and parallel to, each touch line. These are called the 15m dash lines. These dash lines run from the 5m dash lines which are parallel to each goal line, and intersect both 22m lines, both 10m dash lines and the halfway line. 

There are six dash lines 5m from and parallel to, each goal line. Two dash lines are positioned 5m and 15m from each touch line. A further two dash lines are positioned in front of each goal post so that there is 5m between these dash lines.

Centre

There is one line 0.5 metre long that intersects the centre of the half way line.

Goal posts and crossbar

The distance between the two goal posts is 5.6m. The crossbar is placed between the two goal posts so that its top edge is 3.0m from the ground.

The minimum height of the goal posts is 3.4m. When padding is attached to the goal posts the distance from the goal line to the external edge of the padding must not exceed 300mm.

Flag posts

There are 14 flag posts with flags. Each post is minimum of 1.2m above the ground.

Flag posts are positioned at the intersection of touch in‑­goal lines and the goal lines and at the intersection of the touch in‑­goal lines and the dead ball lines. These eight flag posts are outside the in‑­goal area and do not form part of the playing area.

Flag posts must be positioned in line with the 22m lines and the half way line, 2m outside the touchlines and within the playing enclosure.

Junior rugby

Under 6 and Under 7

The maximum playing area is 50m long and 25m wide (quarter field). The field of play is a maximum of 40m long. Each in‑­goal is a maximum of 5m long. There is a 5m run‑­off from playing area to roped boundary.

Under 8 and Under 9

The maximum playing area is 70m long and 35m wide (half field). The field of play is a maximum of 60m long. Each in‑­goal is a maximum of 5m long. There is a 5m run‑­off from playing area to roped boundary.

Under 10 and Under 11

The maximum playing area is 120m long and 60m wide (full field minus 10m width). The field of play is a maximum of 100m long. Each in‑­goal is a maximum of 10m long. There is a 5m run‑­off from playing area to a roped boundary.

Under 12

The maximum playing area is 120m long and 60m wide (full field). The field of play is a maximum of 100m long. Each in‑­goal is a maximum of 10m long. There is a 5m run‑­off from playing area to roped boundary.

References

Laws of the Game Rugby Union incorporating the playing charter 2015. World Rugby. Dublin 2, Ireland.
https://laws.worldrugby.org/?charter=all&language=EN

Laws of the Game 2015 Kids Pathway U6 to U12. Australian Rugby 2015.
https://australia.rugby/

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