Rules

Time

Two 40-minute halves with a five-minute half-time and no time-outs. Any time lost due to tending injured players on the pitch is added to the end of each half.

Team

Fifteen players on each team with 7 substitutions. Once a player is substituted, they may not return to the game unless the substitution was to stop bleeding. All 15 players may run, kick or pass the ball.

The 15 players are divided into two groups:

• 8 forwards (generally larger and stronger) who focus on obtaining and maintaining possession of the ball
• 7 backs (generally smaller and faster) who focus on taking the ball forward and scoring