How many assistant referees are there, and who supplies them?
Rule- Canada
- Rugby Canada
- Community rugby
- World Rugby laws
- All ages
- 2026
- Assistant referees
- Officials
Under World Rugby Laws 2026 (Law 6):
- Every match is under the control of the referee and two touch judges or assistant referees.
- Unless they have been appointed by, or under the authority of, the match organiser, each team provides a touch judge.
- Assistant referees and touch judges are responsible for signalling touch, touch in-goal and the success or otherwise of kicks at goal. Assistant referees also help as the referee directs, including reporting foul play.
- Each carries a flag or something similar to signal decisions.
- The referee has control over them and may overrule their decisions.
Source: World Rugby Laws of the Game 2026, Law 6: https://passport.world.rugby/media/wnvjlxtb/2607en-world-rugby-laws-final-compressed.pdf
Added 25 Oct 2026