What scrum rules apply to youth players?

Q: What scrum rules apply to youth players?

The Laws of the Game include a standard set of Under-19 variations for age-grade rugby. These are the scrum rules from the 2026 edition: Rule Sanction All front-row and lock players must be suitably trained for those positions. If a team can't field them, the referee orders uncontested scrums. — An eight-player scrum must use a 3-4-1 formation, with the No. 8 pushing on the two locks. Locks pack with their heads on either side of the hooker. Free kick If one team's scrum is reduced, the other team must match it, down to a minimum of five: 7 players = 3-4, 6 = 3-2-1, 5 = 3-2. Free kick No pushing the scrum more than 1.5 meters toward the opponents' try line. Free kick No keeping the ball in the scrum once it is heeled and controlled at the base. Free kick No intentionally wheeling the scrum. Penalty If the scrum is unintentionally wheeled more than 45 degrees, the referee resets it. Reset Uncontested scrums caused by a sending-off, a yellow card or an injury are still played with eight players per side. Other Under-19 team rules: If a team names 22 players, at least six must be able to play front row, so there is cover for loosehead prop, hooker and tighthead prop. A player who was tactically replaced may come back on to replace an injured player, or so that scrums can stay contested.

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The Laws of the Game include a standard set of Under-19 variations for age-grade rugby. These are the scrum rules from the 2026 edition:

Rule	Sanction
All front-row and lock players must be suitably trained for those positions. If a team can't field them, the referee orders uncontested scrums.	—
An eight-player scrum must use a 3-4-1 formation, with the No. 8 pushing on the two locks. Locks pack with their heads on either side of the hooker.	Free kick
If one team's scrum is reduced, the other team must match it, down to a minimum of five: 7 players = 3-4, 6 = 3-2-1, 5 = 3-2.	Free kick
No pushing the scrum more than 1.5 meters toward the opponents' try line.	Free kick
No keeping the ball in the scrum once it is heeled and controlled at the base.	Free kick
No intentionally wheeling the scrum.	Penalty
If the scrum is unintentionally wheeled more than 45 degrees, the referee resets it.	Reset

Uncontested scrums caused by a sending-off, a yellow card or an injury are still played with eight players per side.

Other Under-19 team rules:

If a team names 22 players, at least six must be able to play front row, so there is cover for loosehead prop, hooker and tighthead prop.
A player who was tactically replaced may come back on to replace an injured player, or so that scrums can stay contested.