The laws of rugby union have changed significantly since the game’s first law book in 1845. Its 37 rules were printed in a booklet now on display at the World Rugby Hall of Fame in Rugby, UK.
Fast forward 175 years, the World Rugby Laws of the Game 2020 are now available to everyone in the world, being accessible in 11 languages online at
www.laws.worldrugby.org and three languages on the mobile App (
Google Play and
Apple Store)
Featuring video examples, illustrations and referee signals, the 2020 Laws of the Game is a must-have for anyone involved in playing, coaching, officiating and supporting the game from community to the elite level.
The rugby family will be able to test their knowledge by taking the dedicated Law exam and get a certificate upon successful completion.
The void in global rugby activity owing to the COVID-19 pandemic provides the opportunity for the global rugby community to upskill with a range of essential resources, webinars and workshops.
In addition to digital versions of the Laws of the Game, World Rugby has a suite of leading resources available on its Passport site, which counts more than one million users, including Rugby Ready, player welfare, mental wellbeing, strength and conditioning, coaching, officiating and anti-doping, all in 11 languages.
World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: "The Laws of the Game is an essential resource for everyone involved in the game, not just match officials. The 2020 edition features lots of supportive video content and illustrations that bring the laws to life and will aid the rugby community to reset, refresh their knowledge and be ready for rugby’s restart after the pandemic."
In 2018, World Rugby launched the simplified law book. Designed to make the laws easier to understand and more accessible, the language was streamlined leading to a reduction of 42 per cent.