Ensure that all players within your match day squad get to play at least half the game time available. You can do this using rolling substitutions and/or at set periods within the game. For example, work on quarters and plan substitutions in advance for those points in the game. Both sets of coaches should talk with the referee prior to games, to agree how best they can implement the halfgame rule and other game conditions to ensure it is player centred. It is also good practice to make a note of the replacements that are made.

Please see our top 10 tips along with the Age Grade Codes of Practice to help you implement this.

In age grade rugby, yes. All fixtures and competition at U18 below, in clubs, schools and colleges need to follow the half game rule.

The only exception is in the Under 18 Academy League. This is due to the unique nature of this competition, where clubs will decide on which players to offer a professional contract and therefore need to see them in conditions
relating to the adult game.

Players of all abilities are just as important as each other. Being part of the team is what is important to them, so ensuring that they get half a game will directly support what they want from rugby. Research shows that being on the pitch is far more important to Age Grade players than the result of the match.

Playing in matches, making mistakes and learning from them is how all players learn and develop. Players, regardless of ability, tell us they want to play and that playing increases their competence, enjoyment and therefore likelihood to continue.

In addition, the University of Essex research study showed that the half game rule did not impact the result of games.

Players tell us that being part of a team and playing with their friends is the most important thing to them. Coaches, parents and teammates should set the tone for the half-game rule explaining that it is aimed at ensuring more players want to stay in the group and that you can keep on playing rugby and having fun together.

All players want to play and maximise their game time, however the pilot showed that enjoyment for all players who took part in half game were higher than those that did not. Evidence shows also that the ‘best players’ are those at risk of being overplayed and therefore fatigued, so good player management using half game can mitigate this. Finally, good coaches will provide these players with a challenge and rewards to support their teammates.

Half game doesn’t stop a club/school having a policy around training and playing. But it does give a coach a great tool with which to highlight this further and specifically point out the fairness of a situation.

It provides an opportunity to get a less committed trainer further involved. It is important to remember that there are potentially a large number of reasons for this, and we’d recommend a conversation with the parent / player to agree what’s in their best interests and development.

This is rare but does sometimes happen due to reasons out of our control. Every effort should be made to avoid this (e.g. ensuring points differential doesn’t lead to a game being stopped). Coaches should think ahead to ensure that players had opportunity to play ahead of it. For example, making replacements at half time or earlier.

Parents play a vital role in driving the benefits of the half game rule for our players. In New Zealand this was a key factor for the success of the implementation with parents working closely with coaches / teachers to manage half game locally. We’d strongly encourage dialogue between coaches and parents on this and on the wider development of the player.

Where the half game rule is already implemented in clubs and schools, many coaches/teachers set out the expectations a parent/player should have and actively ask the parents to challenge them if they believe they are not sticking to those expectations.