International RL Rule Changes

9th January 2026

The International Rugby League Board has approved amendments to the international Laws of the game following recommendations by the IRL Laws Advisory Group to encourage fluidity of play, provide clarity to players and match officials and improve player safety.

The following Laws have been implemented from January 1, 2026:

Locking the ball into the scrum - it is an offence to deliberately lock the ball in a scrum. This will result in a full penalty being awarded against the offending team

Packing the scrum - the loose forward of each team is required to pack behind their second-row forwards by placing their head in the space between them and wrapping their arms around the second-row forwards

Grounding the ball - dropping on the ball and covering it with the front part of the body above the waist and below the neck, the ball itself being on the ground (clarifies that a try cannot be scored with the back)

Active and passive offside – players shall not encroach within 10m of an opponent who is waiting for the ball and shall immediately retire from any opponent who first secures the ball. Offside players who are within 10m must not ply an active part in or impact any subsequent play (ie: remain passive) up the next play-the-ball or stoppage, unless they place themselves back onside by retiring behind the point of the kick (allows fluidity of play and reduces unnecessary penalties for technical infringements)

Player Kicker safety - when attempting to tackle a kicker, defenders must make a genuine attempt which is not late, high or dangerous contact with the kicking player whilst they are in a vulnerable position

Playing the ball (1) – the tackled player shall without delay regain their feet where they are tackled, lift the ball clear of the ground, face their opponent’s goal line and place the ball on the ground in front of their foremost foot (clarifies that dropping the ball onto the ground constitutes a knock on). Playing the ball (2) - the tackled player must make a genuine attempt to play the ball backwards with the foot. The ball must not be kicked or heeled by the player marking them. The ball is in play when it has been played backwards (provides clarity for referees)

Rugby union-style mauls - it is not permissible for a player to lend weight to a teammate in possession to gain momentum. Immediately this happens the referee should call “Held”. Momentum already generated would be taken into account.

Blocking - where opponents do not make a tackle effective in the quickest possible manner but attempt to push, pull or carry the player in possession, it is permissible for colleagues of the tackled player to lend their weight in order to avoid losing ground. Immediately this happens the Referee should call “Held”. (It is not permissible for an attacking player to impede any defender from making a tackle).

In addition, the IRL Board also approved a new Playing Condition for Women's Senior International Matches - 10 interchanges. This followed a recommendation from Women's & Girls Advisory Group to the Laws Advisory Group.

^{Ref - IRL [Viewed 11 Jan 2026] / FN-30}

IRL Removes Tiering for Womens Rugby League

14th March 2026

The International Rugby League Board has unanimously agreed to remove the tiering system for Women’s nations, enabling eligible players to move between Australia, England and New Zealand. The move is designed to grow the women’s game at international level by capitalising on the strength and depth of the NRLW competition. Previously, players who had played for Australia, England or New Zealand were unable to play for either of the other two Tier 1 nations. However, they could play for a Tier 2 nation provided they were eligible. The removal of the tiering system for Women’s nations means players can now represent any nation for which they qualify through birth or if a parent or grandparent was born in that country. Players continue to be prohibited from representing more than one country in a calendar year. The change will enable players who have already played for Australia, England or New Zealand and are keen to represent their heritage, including those born in another of those countries to do so. Under the eligibility rules that had been in place until now they were unable to do so if they have played for another Tier 1 nation.

RLWC2026 Tournament Rules Confirmed

29th April 2026

The International Rugby League Board has approved competition-specific rules for IRL Rugby League World Cup 2026 in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. The IRL Board endorsed a proposal from tournament hosts, the Australian Rugby League Commission, to adopt the 2026 NRL and NRLW Premiership Rules and Interpretations as RLWC2026 Laws and Interpretations. This will enable RLWC2026 to seamlessly integrate key technology used in the NRL and NRLW, including the Video Review Bunker, Captain’s Challenge and Shot Clocks for scrums, goal line dropouts and goal kicks. The Match Review and Judiciary process, HIA policy and on-field rules for trainers will be the same as those in place for the NRL and NRLW. Adopting the policies of the tournament hosts for disciplinary matters and head injuries has been standard practice at previous World Cups. Golden Point will be used for all RLWC2026 Men's and Women's matches if needed to ensure a winner, which is crucial under the draw structure for the tournament. Women’s matches will be 70 minutes duration, as is standard in the NRLW and Women’s Pacific Championships matches. The competition-specific rules for RLWC26 will ensure consistency and familiarity for fans, broadcasters and key tournament stakeholders, as well as coaches and players – the majority of whom are expected to be drawn from the NRL and NRLW.

^{Ref - IRL [Viewed 30 Apr 2026] / FN-30}

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