Welsh Rugby Union Issues New 'Game On' Guidelines

Welsh Rugby Union execs "issued a set of guidelines to ensure second team games are completed this season" even if clubs cannot "raise a full side," according to Anthony Woolford of WALES ONLINE. The "Game On" rules "came into operation last season but were only rolled out in the third tier of second team matches, which focused on the social element of the sport." The success "means Game On can now be employed right up to the WRU Conference." Game On allows clubs to agree on games that could include anywhere from 10-15 players per side. Matches "must be played over a minimum of 40 minutes but could have 4x20-minute quarters or a normal two halves of 40 minutes as well as rolling replacements." WRU Head of Rugby Participation Ryan Jones said, "We just want to remove any barriers to playing rugby for your local team" (WALES ONLINE, 9/6).