Law 1 of the Laws of the Game prescribes the maximum and minimum dimensions for a rugby field for international matches. For fields that have dimensions less than those stated in Law 1, dispensation to play an international match must be sought from World Rugby.

At the May 2019 meeting of World Rugby Council, a directive on pitch dimensions was ratified that prescribed the minimum dimensions permitted for international matches.
Stadia that were used for matches or received dispensation before May 2019, that do not meet the requirements below, will no longer be permitted for use without new approval/dispensation from World Rugby. Stadia that have received dispensation since May 2019 onwards, do not need to reapply for dispensation unless the dimensions of the field have changed, and the field continues to be outside the minimum dimensions permitted by Law 1.

In 2022, World Rugby commissioned research into instances of player excursions into the perimeter areas within the women’s game and concluded that the perimeter area requirements for women’s rugby could be reduced (compared to the men’s game) without introducing greater risk. The variances between the men’s and women’s game perimeter areas are shown below. Unions seeking dispensation, should indicate whether men’s and/or women’s games are to be played at the venue.

Playing Enclosure

Maximum/minimum playing enclosure dimensions permitted by the Laws of the Game are above.

Perimeter Areas (Run Offs)

For welfare reasons, the minimum perimeter area dimensions recommended by the Laws of the Game is 5m. This is to minimise the risk of injury to a player when leaving the field of play. However, this can be reduced in line with relevant measurements shown in the table down to a minimum of 3.5m for men’s rugby and 3m for women’s rugby. Only perimeter areas which have natural or Regulation 22 compliant artificial turf surfaces can be used for international fixtures. It is recommended that the surface type of the run-off should be of the same surface as the field of play for at least the first 2.5m from the touchline.

Dispensation

If any of the minimum dimensions set out in Law 1 cannot be met, dispensation must be provided by World Rugby and will only be granted after all field of play measurements have been shortened to the minimum size requirements in Law 1. At least 2 months prior to the event, Member Unions or Regional Associations must provide a letter from a senior representative seeking dispensation to: pitchdispensation@worldrugby.org with the following information:

1. Venue (stadium and city)
2. Match or competition title
3. Format (15s, Sevens) and whether for men’s or women’s matches
4. Team names of match participants
5. Date and kick-off time(s)
6. Dimensions and surface type of the proposed playing enclosure:
       a. Length of field of play
       b. Width of field of play
       c.Length of in-goal
       d. Minimum run-off beyond the touchline (including touch
       in-goal)
       e. Minimum run-off beyond the dead-ball line.
       f. Width and length of the entire grass/turf covered area.
7. Rationale for using the non-compliant field
8. Images of the field showing the dimensions, and any solutions being used to increase the dimensions, or to show any areas of concern such as concrete pillars, stands etc.
9. A risk assessment (it is recommended that all perimeter areas should be risk assessed)

World Rugby will prioritise as below when considering dispensation. When reducing dimensions, a safe perimeter is prioritised over a larger field of play:

1. Perimeter Area;
2. Pitch Width;
3. In-goal Length;
4. Pitch Length.

Consideration will only be given to fields that meet all of the following minimum dimensions:

Dispensation will only be granted for the maximum dimensions achievable in the given stadium. World Rugby reserve the right to permit further dispensation on the length, width and in-goal length of any field in exceptional circumstances when sanctioning international matches.