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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
3.14 UNION SPECIFIC VARIATIONS
(a) A Union may implement rolling substitutions at defined levels of the Game within its jurisdiction. The number of substitutions must not exceed twelve. The administration and rules relating to rolling substitutions are the responsibility of the Union having jurisdiction.
(b) A Union or Unions, where a match or competition is played between teams from two or more Unions, may implement variations to Law 3.4 for matches below international level as set out in (c) and/or (d) below.
(c) When 22 or 23 players are nominated in a team there must be sufficient front row players to play at hooker, tight-head prop and loose-head prop who are suitably trained and experienced to ensure that on the first occasion that a replacement in any front row position is required, the team can continue to play safely with contested scrums.
(d) A provision may be introduced that where uncontested scrums are ordered as a result of there being no suitably trained and experienced front row replacement for any reason, the team concerned shall not be entitled to replace the player whose departure caused uncontested scrums.