COMPETITION UPDATE | 2026 SEASON
What’s New in the 2026 ACT Junior Rugby Rules of Competition
Everything clubs and coaches need to know about this season’s changes
The 2026 Rules of Competition represent the most significant update to ACT Junior Rugby in recent years, reflecting the transition to administration by ACT & Southern NSW Rugby Union.
You can view and download the document from the ACTJRU Competition Rules page.
Here’s a plain-English breakdown of key changes and what they mean for your club.
Competition Points & Finals
Forfeit now means a 28–0 result, not just a win: When a team forfeits, the opposing team is now awarded a 28–0 result (plus 5 competition points in Division 1, making it a bonus point win). The forfeiting club must notify the opposing club and Head of Competitions by 10:00am on the last working day before the match — or face an additional points penalty.
Three forfeits = withdrawn from competition: A team that forfeits 3 regular season matches is now automatically considered withdrawn from the competition. They may apply to the CRC to continue, but a subsequent forfeit after that approval is final and cannot be appealed.
Finals eligibility: minimum 5 games (was 3 of last 5): To be eligible for the finals series, a player must now have played a minimum of 5 games in the relevant age group and division (or the majority of their matches there). The old rule required 3 of the last 5 games. A Finals Dispensation Form process now exists for injury or special circumstance exceptions — submit to Mat Vowles by COB Monday, 19 days before finals commence (injury/illness) or 26 days before (special circumstances).
NEW: Extra time in U18 and U16 Div 1 Grand Finals: A draw in a Grand Final for U18, U16 Division 1 Boys, U17 Girls, and U15 Girls now triggers 5 minutes each way of extra time (with a 2-minute interval) before Joint Premiers is declared. All other age grades remain Joint Premiers on a draw at full time. A coin toss is held before extra time, and no additional replacement movements are permitted during it.
Good Will Rule & Player Numbers
Good Will Rule replaced with score-based kick-off and tap rule: The old rule required the leading team to drop players to the bench at 30, 40, and 50-point differentials. The 2026 version takes a different approach: at a 40-point margin the leading team must kick off after scoring; at 50 points the trailing team restarts with a tap kick from halfway; and if the final margin exceeds 60 points, the recorded margin is capped at 60. No players are dropped. The rule applies to all Division 2/3 and Girls competitions, and to Boys competitions where only one division exists.
Girls competitions now have specific player number rules: Girls competitions (U13, U15, U17) are officially 12-aside and played under World Rugby GAME-ON Law Variations. Teams must match numbers, with matches playable down to 10-aside as a minimum and up to 15-aside by mutual agreement. This formalises arrangements that had previously been handled informally.
Coaches allowed on field extended to U10 (was U9 to round 7 only): In line with the Junior Law Trials, coaches in U8 and U10 are now permitted on the field in all games — both regular season and finals. The previous rules removed coaches from the field from round 7 onwards in U9. Coaches on the field remain subject to the control of the match official at all times.
Match Administration
NEW: Match Day App replaces Rugby Xplorer for game-day recording: Teams must now use Rugby Australia’s Match Day App to record team lists, scoring events, and all player movements during the game. Both teams must confer on scores at full time, then jointly sight the app with the match official before submission. Ground and Team Marshalls must be entered in the app before kick-off — a team cannot commence scoring until this is done.
NEW: Ground closure and wet weather protocols formalised: A detailed process now exists for ground closures: home clubs must first seek an alternate home venue, then switch to the away club’s ground, and only then defer by mutual agreement. In the last 3 rounds of the regular season, affected matches are recorded as a 0–0 draw (both teams receiving 2 competition points) rather than being rescheduled.
NEW: Air quality and lightning strike rules added: The 2026 rules formally address smoke and air quality events (PM2.5 above 100 requires consultation with the Head of Competitions) and lightning strikes (World Rugby’s 30/30 rule applies). Matches cancelled due to air quality are recorded as draws. Neither protocol appeared in the 2024 document.
NEW: Abandoned match outcomes now clearly defined: Abandoned in the first half: result is 0–0, no points awarded. Abandoned at half time or during the second half: the score at the time of abandonment stands. Any Red or Yellow Cards issued in an abandoned match are treated as if the match was completed.
NEW: Concussion and Blue Card process formalised: A full Blue Card (concussion) protocol is now included, aligned with Rugby Australia guidelines. A player shown a Blue Card cannot return to the field under any circumstances. There is no Head Injury Assessment (HIA) provision in junior rugby — any player who undertakes an HIA and returns will be in breach of Rugby Australia’s Code of Conduct. Players must seek medical attention within 24 hours and complete the Graduated Return to Play process.
Scrums & Uncontested Rules
Clearer split between Division 1 and Division 2/3 scrum obligations: Division 1 Boys (U13+): all scrums must remain contested throughout the match. If a team cannot field trained front rowers, they play with one fewer player on the field — there is no option to go uncontested and keep 15 players. Girls competitions and Division 2/3: only the first scrum of the match must be contested. If that scrum is successfully contested, no player reduction is required for subsequent uncontested scrums.
Grounds & Marshalls
NEW: Dedicated Ground Marshall role — mandatory for home clubs: Every home club must now appoint a Ground Marshall (in addition to a Team Marshall) for all regular season matches. The Ground Marshall must be registered in Rugby Xplorer, complete the Ground Marshall course in the Learning Centre, and be over 18. Their responsibilities — from ground set-up and spectator management to serious injury protocols — are detailed in Schedule 2. Failure to comply is subject to Rugby Australia’s three-strike policy.
NEW: Technical zones and playing enclosure rules formalised: Each home club must now provide a Technical Zone (3m x 10m, between the 10m and 22m lines) for both teams on the same side of the field. Team Support Staff must wear distinctively coloured vests by role — white or orange for medical staff, blue or yellow for water carriers. Coaching personnel in the technical zone may not enter the playing enclosure during stoppages other than half time or full time.
Priority actions for clubs before the season starts
- Download and test Rugby Australia’s Match Day App
- Appoint and register a Ground Marshall via Rugby Xplorer
- Complete the Ground Marshall course in the Learning Centre
- Review the updated finals eligibility criteria (minimum 5 games)
- Brief Division 1 coaches on the new bonus points system
- Understand the revised Good Will Rule (no dropped players)
- Review updated uncontested scrum rules for your division
- Ensure all coaches have Smart Rugby & Season Ready accreditation
Questions about the 2026 rules? Contact the Head of Competitions & Rugby Services, Mat Vowles, at [email protected]. Finals Dispensation Forms must be submitted to the same address — 19 days before finals for injury/illness, 26 days before for special circumstances.
View and download the 2026 Rules of Competition document here.
The Rules of Competition should be read in conjunction with World Rugby’s Laws of the Game, Game Management Guidelines and various laws for each age group and format of the game. Visit our Competitions page or the Rugby Australia website to view the latest versions of these documents
