The Law Application Working Group would like to provide a reminder that the Global Law Trials that took effect at the start of 2025 do apply in Sevens. World Rugby have provided a guide to the changes.

As a reminder, these applications are:

• At scrum: the scrumhalf not in possession may not go past the center line of the tunnel.

• At ruck and maul: players who were part of the ruck or maul may not play an opponent near the ruck or maul playing the ball away.

• At lineouts: if the throw isn't straight and the opposition does not compete, play on.

Since lineouts in Sevens typically have only three or two players in the line, the Law Application Working Group has been asked if skew throws should be tolerated when the opposition does not lift to compete. As the WR guide notes "Remember the intent of the change – remove an unnecessary second stoppage when a non-material offense takes place, and opposition has opted out of the contest for possession."  

World Rugby also notes "Over-throws beyond 15 meters and quick/short throws to the front player still need to be straight, regardless of competition." Teams throwing in the ball to make contest impossible should still be sanctioned. 

The time allowed for kicks and restarts follows the variations for Sevens as found in the Laws.