I contacted Mike Holder Scarborough’s director of Rugby a week or so ago and enquired on how the law changes being introduced this season regarding rolling substitutes would affect clubs at Scarborough’s level (level 7). Mike replied that he was receiving some conflicting reports on the new regulations and so couldn’t give me a definitive answer. He informed me that rolling subs are in place for level 5 and below but that he was not sure whether each league has to agree on their use. Scarborough RUFC did complete a questionnaire on the subject last season and he believed most Yorkshire One clubs were against their use. Furthermore the latest information from referees to clubs did not include the new scrum engage commands and there was no clear information on how they will interpret the 5 second rule at rucks. It is difficult enough for coaching staff when law changes are introduced; even more difficult when it is not made clear how they will be implemented. Let’s hope they sort it out soon; Scarborough’s Yorkshire Challenge Shield first round tie with Selby at Silver Royd is only a month away.
