How do the sevens laws differ from fifteens?

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The World Rugby Laws of the Game apply to sevens, with the sevens variations in the 2026 law book. The main differences: Sevens Fifteens Players on the field 7 15 Replacements up to 5 up to 8 Match length 2 × 7 min (finals up to 2 × 10) 2 × 40 min Half-time up to 2 min up to 15 min Yellow card 2 minutes 10 minutes Conversions and penalty goals drop kick only, within 30 seconds place or drop kick, within 60 seconds Kick-off after a score by the team that scored by the opponents Scrum 3 players a side 8 players a side Extra time first score wins as set by the match organiser Sevens matches also use two in-goal judges (not needed when a TMO is present). They signal kicks at goal and touch-in-goal, and can help with try decisions.

	Sevens	Fifteens
Players on the field	7	15
Replacements	up to 5	up to 8
Match length	2 × 7 min (finals up to 2 × 10)	2 × 40 min
Half-time	up to 2 min	up to 15 min
Yellow card	2 minutes	10 minutes
Conversions and penalty goals	drop kick only, within 30 seconds	place or drop kick, within 60 seconds
Kick-off after a score	by the team that scored	by the opponents
Scrum	3 players a side	8 players a side
Extra time	first score wins