What law variations apply in U12, U14 and U16 girls' rugby?

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The girls' Age Grade Law Variations were updated for 2026/27. U12 girls U14 girls U16 girls Team size Up to 10-a-side (6, 7 or 8-a-side allowed) Up to 13-a-side (10-a-side allowed) Up to 15-a-side (13 or 10-a-side allowed) Pitch 60m x 40m (40m x 30m for 6-a-side) Full pitch (10-a-side: 60m x 40m) Full pitch Game time Max 40 minutes Max 60 minutes (2 x 30) Max 70 minutes (2 x 35) Ball size 3 3 or 4 4 Scoring 1 point per try, no conversions or penalty kicks Full scoring (try 5, conversion 2, penalty 3) Full scoring Scrum 5 v 5, contested with resisted lean; 9 must pass 6 v 6, contested, max 1.5m push; 9 must pass 8 v 8, contested, max 1.5m push; 9 must pass Lineout Uncontested, hooker + at least 4, no lift, no maul Uncontested, hooker + at least 4, no lift, no maul Contested, hooker + at least 4; only the throwing team may lift Tackle Waist and below Waist and below Below the base of the sternum At every age the defending 9 can't go past the middle of the scrum. Smaller-sided versions use smaller scrums: 3 per side at 7 or 8-a-side U12, no scrum at 6-a-side U12, and 5 v 5 at 10-a-side U14 and U16.

	U12 girls	U14 girls	U16 girls
Team size	Up to 10-a-side (6, 7 or 8-a-side allowed)	Up to 13-a-side (10-a-side allowed)	Up to 15-a-side (13 or 10-a-side allowed)
Pitch	60m x 40m (40m x 30m for 6-a-side)	Full pitch (10-a-side: 60m x 40m)	Full pitch
Game time	Max 40 minutes	Max 60 minutes (2 x 30)	Max 70 minutes (2 x 35)
Ball size	3	3 or 4	4
Scoring	1 point per try, no conversions or penalty kicks	Full scoring (try 5, conversion 2, penalty 3)	Full scoring
Scrum	5 v 5, contested with resisted lean; 9 must pass	6 v 6, contested, max 1.5m push; 9 must pass	8 v 8, contested, max 1.5m push; 9 must pass
Lineout	Uncontested, hooker + at least 4, no lift, no maul