Discipline

Irish Rugby recognises the need for effective disciplinary rules, together with procedures to ensure that those rules are applied fairly. Discipline, both on and off the field, is integral to the game. This is reflected through adherence to the Laws, the Regulations and the IRFU's Core Rugby Values.

World Rugby Regulations

World Rugby has issued two Regulations covering the disciplinary processes associated with the game. A copy of the World Rugby Regulations can be found at:

Please note that the use of a “Coaching Intervention” as a possible method of reducing head contact Foul Play sanctions does not apply in Irish Rugby’s domestic disciplinary processes.

Forms
Player Directions Form

Abuse of Match Officials

At times it is deemed to be in the best interests of the game to provide additional advice to referees and disciplinary committee members to deter particular offences. At present such guidance is in force in respect of the Abuse of Match Officials. The guidance provided is available below:

Match Officials Abuse Sanctions (Non-Players)
Match Official Abuse Sanctions (Non-Players)

Each of the offences in World Rugby Law 9 has a specific entry point attached to it which is set out in a table format. This is known as the Sanction Table and the IRFU is required by World Rugby to adopt this table in full. The sanction table can be viewed on the IRFU website here.

Each offence under Law 9 has a low end, mid-range and top end entry point. The Judicial Officer or Independent Panel reaches an entry point based on the assessment of seriousness of an incident and a combination of their own rugby experience and knowledge of other cases. All cases are judged independently upon their own facts. Red cards or citings that were not upheld do not appear on this list

Sanctions expressed relate to weeks in the case of red cards/citings. A week equals a match. In certain cases, usually at lower level rugby, a disciplinary panel may use their discretion when setting out the length of a sanction. In cases of match official abuse or misconduct by spectators, coaches or parents, the ban will be listed as a period of time.

Recent Sanctions Issued

DateClubCompetitionLawSanction