Event dates: 11–13 June 2027
Venue: Stafford Rugby Club

These rules apply to all Central 7s rugby competitions. All teams, players, coaches and support staff are expected to familiarise themselves with the rules before participating.

The Tournament Lead and appointed officials will oversee the competition and make decisions on matters relating to these rules.

1. Competition Summary

The following rules apply to all competitions, including Men's Open, Men's Social, Women's Open, Women's Social and Veterans Half-Pitch 7s.

• Teams may register a maximum squad of 14 players.

• Seven players from each team will be on the field at any one time.

• Unlimited rolling substitutions will apply throughout all competitions.

• All matches will consist of two seven-minute halves, including finals.

• Teams must report to their allocated pitch at least five minutes before kick-off.

• The first team named in the fixture schedule will kick off.

• The opposing team will choose which end of the pitch to receive.

• Teams should bring an alternative playing shirt in case of a colour clash.

• All matches will be played in accordance with the applicable World Rugby Laws and relevant RFU regulations and variations.

2. Tournament Administration and Registration

2.1 Team Registration

A representative from each team must complete the required tournament registration process at least one hour before their first match.

Team managers and captains are responsible for ensuring that all players are eligible to participate and that the team complies with the tournament rules.

2.2 Squad Size

Teams may register a maximum squad of 14 players.

Seven players will start each match, with the remaining registered players available as substitutes.

Unlimited rolling substitutions are permitted in accordance with Section 5.

2.3 Player Eligibility and Borrowing

Social competitions: During the pool stages, Social teams may borrow players from other teams within the same Social competition.

During knockout matches, borrowing players will only be permitted with prior approval from the Tournament Lead or an appointed representative.

Open competitions: Teams may not borrow players without the prior consent of the Tournament Lead or an appointed representative.

All player-borrowing arrangements must be agreed before the player takes part.

2.4 Playing Shirts and Colour Clashes

Teams should bring an alternative set of playing shirts or an alternative means of resolving a colour clash.

Where a clash occurs, teams may be required to change shirts or turn their shirts inside out.

The match referee will make the final decision on whether a colour clash exists and how it should be resolved.

2.5 Fixture Schedule

The tournament fixture schedule will be made available before or on the day of the competition.

Teams are responsible for checking their fixtures, pitch allocations and kick-off times and ensuring that they are ready to play.

The organisers reserve the right to amend the schedule where necessary to ensure the smooth running of the event.

2.6 Pool-Stage Points

The following points system will apply to pool-stage matches across all competitions:

• Win: 4 points

• Draw: 2 points

• Loss: 0 points

• Try Bonus: 1 point (4 Try's)

• No-show, abandonment or disqualification: 0 points for the team responsible & 4 TRY win to the other team.

The organisers will determine the process for resolving any ties in pool standings.

2.7 Player Insurance

All players must have adequate playing insurance through their team. This must include appropriate cover for participation in rugby.

Teams are responsible for ensuring that their players have the required insurance in place, including travel insurance where appropriate.

2.8 Personal Property

The tournament organisers, Stafford Rugby Club, their employees and event helpers accept no responsibility for loss of or damage to players' or spectators' personal belongings or valuables.

Individuals and teams are responsible for making appropriate arrangements to safeguard their property.

3. Playing Laws and Match Procedures

3.1 Applicable Laws

Matches will be played under the applicable World Rugby Laws and variations for Rugby Sevens, together with relevant RFU regulations and domestic law variations in force for the 2026/27 season.

Players and teams must comply with all applicable safety requirements and referee instructions.

3.2 Match Duration

All matches will consist of two seven-minute halves, including finals.

This applies to the Men's Open, Men's Social, Women's Open, Women's Social and Veterans Half-Pitch 7s competitions.

Teams must be ready to start at their scheduled kick-off time.

3.3 Late Arrival and No-Shows

Teams must report to their allocated pitch at least five minutes before kick-off.

If a team fails to arrive and be ready to play within five minutes of the scheduled start time, the match will be treated as a no-show.

The match will not be played if a team arrives after this period, to avoid delaying subsequent fixtures.

Alternatively, the team that has arrived on time may agree to play the remaining available time as a friendly. The official no-show result and points allocation will still apply.

3.4 Pool-Stage Draws

If a pool-stage match finishes level at the end of normal time, no extra time will be played. The result will stand as a draw.

The pool-stage points system outlined in Section 2.6 will apply.

3.5 Knockout-Stage Draws

If a knockout match is drawn at the end of normal time, extra time will be played.

The procedure will be as follows:

1. A two-minute water break will take place at the end of normal time.

2. Extra time will consist of two five-minute periods.

3. There will be no water break between the two extra-time periods.

4. The team that kicked off at the start of normal time will kick off again from its original starting end.

5. If neither team scores during the two extra-time periods, the winner will be decided by a coin toss between the two team captains.

6. The captain of the team entitled to receive the last restart will call the coin toss.

This procedure applies to knockout matches in all competitions, including the Veterans Half-Pitch 7s.

3.6 Failure to Field Seven Players

Teams must be able to field seven players at the start of a match.

If a team becomes unable to continue fielding seven players for reasons other than a sending-off, the match will be abandoned.

The following will apply:

• Pool-stage match: The team responsible for the abandonment will be deemed to have lost, and points will be awarded accordingly.

• Knockout match: The opposing team will progress to the next round.

3.7 Conversions

Conversions following a try will be taken in accordance with the applicable World Rugby Laws for Rugby Sevens.

Where permitted by the Laws, the kick should be taken from behind the in-goal area so that the ball is readily available for the restart.

4. Match Officials

4.1 Referees

The tournament organisers will appoint suitably qualified referees to officiate matches.

Referees are the sole judges of fact and law during a match. Their decisions must be respected by players, coaches, team officials and spectators.

4.2 Touch Judges

Each team must provide a touch judge for its matches unless an assistant referee or other appointed match official is provided by the tournament.

Team touch judges must:

• Keep up with play.

• Follow the referee's instructions.

• Carry out their duties fairly and impartially.

• Wear clothing that clearly distinguishes them from players on the field if they are also a substitute.

4.3 Respect for Match Officials

Abuse, intimidation or threatening behaviour towards match officials will not be tolerated.

Incidents may be referred to the Disciplinary Committee and may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or disqualification from the tournament.

5. Substitutions and Technical Areas

5.1 Rolling Substitutions

Unlimited rolling substitutions will apply throughout all competitions.

Substitutions must take place with the referee's permission and when the ball is dead.

Substitutions must not take place during live play or after a penalty has been awarded.

All substitutions must comply with the applicable World Rugby Laws and the referee's instructions.

5.2 Technical Areas

Substitutes, coaches and support staff must remain within their designated technical area.

Team personnel must not enter the field of play without the referee's permission.

6. Discipline and Misconduct

6.1 Yellow Cards and Sin Bin

For persistent or deliberate infringements, dangerous play or other offences under the applicable Laws, the referee may issue a yellow card.

A player receiving a yellow card will be sent to the sin bin for two minutes.

At the end of the two-minute sin-bin period, the player may return to the field of play only when the referee signals that they are permitted to return.

Players must not re-enter the field before receiving this signal.

6.2 Two Yellow Cards

A player who receives two yellow cards during the same match will automatically receive a red card and will take no further part in that match.

The player will be referred to the Disciplinary Committee, which will determine whether any further disciplinary action is required.

6.3 Red Cards

A player shown a red card must leave the field of play and take no further part in that match.

The player will be referred to the Disciplinary Committee and will not participate in further tournament matches until the disciplinary process has been completed and a decision has been made.

6.4 Replacements Following Cards

A player who receives a yellow or red card must not be replaced in a way that circumvents the player's temporary or permanent removal from the match.

All player replacements must comply with the applicable World Rugby Laws and tournament regulations.

6.5 Serious Misconduct

Serious misconduct may be reported to the player's home club, union or governing body in accordance with the applicable disciplinary procedures.

6.6 Touchline and Technical-Area Misconduct

Misconduct by players, coaches, team officials or supporters will be dealt with seriously.

Examples include:

• Abuse of match officials.

• Aggressive or threatening behaviour.

• Entering the field of play without permission.

• Unsportsmanlike conduct.

• Failure to follow instructions from tournament officials.

Depending on the seriousness of the incident, sanctions may include a warning, deduction of tournament points, removal from the event or team disqualification.

7. Tournament Management and Disciplinary Committee

7.1 Disciplinary Committee

The Central 7s Disciplinary Committee will comprise:

• Tournament Lead

• Referee Lead

• Pitch Lead

The committee will consider formal complaints, serious misconduct and matters requiring a ruling under these competition rules.

The committee will interpret the rules in the interests of fair competition, player safety and the effective running of the tournament.

7.2 Complaints and Decisions

Any formal complaint must be raised with the Tournament Lead as soon as reasonably practicable.

The complaint should clearly explain the issue and include any relevant information or evidence.

The Disciplinary Committee will review the circumstances and determine appropriate action within its authority under the tournament regulations.

7.3 Matters Not Covered by These Rules

Where an issue arises that is not covered by these rules, or where a rule is unclear, the Disciplinary Committee will make a ruling in the interests of the fair and safe running of Central 7s.

All decisions made by the Disciplinary Committee are final. There is no right of appeal within the tournament.

All teams, players, coaches and support staff are expected to respect and comply with the committee's decisions.

8. Veterans Half-Pitch 7s – Additional Rules

The Veterans Half-Pitch 7s will take place on Sunday 13 June 2027.

This competition is designed for players aged 35 and over who want to enjoy competitive, full-contact rugby.

8.1 Age Eligibility

Players must be aged 35 or over to participate.

The organisers may request evidence of age where necessary.

8.2 Match Format

The competition will be played using a half-pitch format, with an approximate playing area of 40 metres × 60 metres.

The competition remains full contact and competitive. Players must comply with the applicable World Rugby Laws, relevant RFU regulations and all safety requirements.

8.3 Squad Size

Teams may register a maximum squad of 14 players, with seven players on the field at any one time.

8.4 Rolling Substitutions

Unlimited rolling substitutions will apply, allowing players to rotate on and off during matches.

All substitutions must take place in accordance with the referee's instructions and applicable tournament rules.

8.5 Match Duration and Competition Format

All matches will consist of two seven-minute halves, including finals.

The same pool-stage points system, knockout procedures, disciplinary rules and general tournament regulations will apply as in the other competitions.

Teams must follow the published fixture schedule and report to their allocated pitch at least five minutes before kick-off.

9. Final Reminder

All teams are responsible for ensuring that their players, coaches and support staff understand and comply with these rules.

By entering Central 7s, teams agree to follow the tournament regulations, respect match officials and organisers, and uphold the spirit of fair play.

The organisers reserve the right to make reasonable changes to the schedule and tournament arrangements where necessary for the safe and efficient delivery of the event.

We look forward to welcoming you to Central 7s at Stafford Rugby Club, 11–13 June 2027.