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Definitions
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3.1Maximum number of players on the playing area
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3.2Team with more than the permitted number of players
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3.3When there are fewer than fifteen players
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3.4Players nominated as substitutes
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3.5Suitably trained and experienced players in the front row
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3.6Sent off for foul play
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3.7Permanent replacement
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3.8The decision for permanent replacement
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3.9The referee’s power to stop an injured player from continuing
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3.10Temporary replacement
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3.11Player wishing to rejoin the match
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3.12Substituted players rejoining the match
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3.13Front row forward sent off or temporarily suspended or injured
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3.14Union Specific Variations
3.3 WHEN THERE ARE FEWER THAN FIFTEEN PLAYERS
A Union may authorise matches to be played with fewer than fifteen players in each team. When that happens, all the Laws of the Game apply except that each team must have at least five players in the scrum at all times.
Exception: matches between teams of Seven-a-side are an exception. These matches are covered by the Seven-a-side Variations to the Laws of the Game.