How long are matches, sin bins and half-time at each age?

Question

Accepted Answer

SA Rugby's February 2025 playing-time directive for school rugby: Age group Match length Sin bin Half-time U13 2 × 25 min running time 5 min running time 5 min U14 and U15 2 × 25 min playing time 5 min playing time up to 5 min U16 2 × 30 min playing time 5 min playing time up to 5 min High school 1st team no more than 70 min playing time 10 min playing time up to 10 min Running time is continuous: the clock does not stop for injuries or other stoppages. Playing time excludes time lost to stoppages, as in World Rugby Law 5. Under Law 5.3, the match organisers may agree to shorten a match.

Age group	Match length	Sin bin	Half-time
U13	2 × 25 min running time	5 min running time	5 min
U14 and U15	2 × 25 min playing time	5 min playing time	up to 5 min
U16	2 × 30 min playing time	5 min playing time	up to 5 min
High school 1st team	no more than 70 min playing time	10 min playing time	up to 10 min