What are the scrum rules from Under 13 to Under 18?
Rule- England
- RFU
- Age grade rugby
- Regulation 15
- World Rugby laws
- Under 13-Under 18
- 2026/27
- Coaches
| Age | Scrum |
|---|---|
| Under 13 | 6-player fully contested scrum (2 props, hooker, 2 locks, No. 8). The No. 8 can't pick up from the base. |
| Under 14 | 8-player contested scrum. The No. 8 can pick up from the base. |
| Under 15 boys | Full scrum, with no "turnover" for a wheel (reset with the throw to the team in possession) and the non-throwing scrum-half can't follow past the middle line until the ball is out. |
| Under 16 to Under 18 (and Under 15 girls) | World Rugby Laws with the Under 19 variations. |
At every age from Under 13 to Under 18 (World Rugby Under 19 variations):
- scrums can't be pushed more than 1.5 metres;
- scrum numbers must be balanced;
- a scrum that wheels more than 45 degrees is reset, with the throw to the team that had possession.
Safety rules (Under 13 and Under 14 Rules of Play)
- Engagement sequence is "Crouch", "Bind", then "Set" once the front rows are ready. Front rows must not charge.
- Props stay parallel to the touchline with head and shoulders no lower than hips and no downward pressure.
- If a scrum collapses, the whistle goes immediately. A player persistently collapsing or binding illegally, or whose lack of technique or strength is a danger, must leave the scrum or be replaced.
- Backs stay 5 metres behind the scrum until the ball is out.
Uncontested scrums: if a team can't field suitably trained and competent players in every scrum position (unavailable, injured or sent off with no trained replacement), the referee order uncontested scrums. From Under 16, players playing up two age grades can't play front row in contested 15-a-side scrums, and 17-year-olds in adult rugby can't play front row in contested scrums.
Added 21 Oct 2026