Can I play adult rugby when I'm 17?

Scottish Rugby's policy is that you must be 18 to play adult rugby. In exceptional cases a 17-year-old can apply for dispensation, which applies to both boys and girls. All of these are required:

1. You're 17.
2. Your coach has completed Scottish Rugby's online RugbyRight course for the current season and is suitably qualified.
3. You upload evidence that you're on a structured strength and conditioning programme.
4. You do a tackle assessment and upload a video of it with the application.
5. Your club or school applies through SCRUMS, giving your experience, injury history and the level of rugby you'll play.

Front row: to play prop or hooker you also need to show front-row experience and coaching, and pass a neck strength assessment. If you don't pass it, you can still be cleared for adult rugby but not for the front row until you turn 18.

Timescales: decisions normally take up to 14 days, or up to 4 weeks for front-row clearance. You can't play adult rugby until SCRUMS has been updated and your club or school has been told.

If you were cleared to play adult rugby last season, you don't need to reapply. If you move clubs, make sure your approval is in place at the new club.