Rugby Clock Protocol

In rugby, the referee is charged with the responsibility of timekeeping. Most levels of rugby play an 80-minute match, but there are instances where matches can last significantly longer because, unlike association soccer, referees stop the clock during the course of a match.

  1. Referee as a Timekeeper

    • One of the referee's primary duties in rugby is to act as timekeeper. The referee will wear two timepieces in case one malfunctions, and he will measure the amount of time that has passed in a match. Ultimately, it is up to the referee's discretion as to when each half, and the match, will end. For example, a referee has the authority to abandon a match altogether by ending it prematurely if conditions have become unplayable or a serious incident has occurred.

    Length of Matches and Halves

    • International and professional-level rugby matches last 80 minutes, comprising two 40-minute halves. Most park and school-level rugby also lasts the same length. Junior players play shorter matches, sometimes 40 minutes overall across two 20-minute halves. If the referee deems it necessary, he may call for a water break, commonly halfway through each half. This break must not last more than one minute.

    Ending the Match

    • There is special protocol for the ending of rugby matches. While 80 minutes may have passed, the match does not end until after the ball has become dead. This occurs in a number of ways, such as when the referee would award a scrum, lineout, an option to continue to the non-infringing team, dropout or after a conversion or successful penalty kick at goal. If time has expired and a mark, free kick or penalty is awarded, the referee allows play to continue. If a try is scored, the referee allows time for the conversion kick to be taken afterward, then he ends the match.

    Stopping the Clock

    • During the match, the referee stops the clock for the following reasons: injury, replacement of players' clothing, replacement and substitution of players and the time spent while referees consult with their fellow officials, if there are any available. Also, play may continue while a player receives treatment on the field of play, as long as the injured player and physio do not interfere with the passage of play and the player is not seriously injured.