What scrum rules apply at the U16 and U18 weeks?

SA Rugby's Scrum Law Modifications (updated January 2026) cover provincial school teams:

U16 (with U10 to U16)

• Calls: "Crouch", "Bind", "Scrum". Passive engagement with no hit.
• The ball goes in on the "Scrum" call and the contest starts then.
• Maximum push 1.5 metres, then the contest stops.

U18 (school, club, provincial and national U18 and U19)

• Calls: "Crouch", "Bind", "Set". Active engagement with a reduced hit.
• The ball goes in once the scrum is square and stationary, with no signal from the referee.
• Maximum push 1.5 metres, then the contest stops.

Both

• Props bind with their elbows no lower than their shoulder line.
• No deliberate wheeling. If a scrum wheels past 45°, the referee orders a new scrum with no turnover.
• Uncontested scrums caused by a card or injury are still played with eight players a side.