This year, the FNB Varsity Cup will trial a new variation of the existing 50/22 law. The trial has been approved by World Rugby.
A team in possession that kicks the ball indirectly into touch from inside their own half will receive a free-kick 15m in from touch. That team may not take a scrum or lineout; it must take a tap kick. If that team scores from there, the try value will be seven points.
There is no requirement for a set phase inside a team’s own half. A team may carry the ball back and kick it indirectly into touch inside the opposition’s 22. If a team scores from the tap, it gets an additional two points for that try (point-of-origin try).
The other rules and regulations remain the same, with FNB Varsity Cup teams still able to score a seven-point try that originates from their own half.
FNB Varsity Cup and FNB Varsity Shield teams are permitted to replace a red-carded player with a substitute after 15 minutes. In the FNB Varsity Cup semi-finals and final, captains and coaches may use a white card to review a referee’s decision, with each team allowed one review per half.
Eligibility rules remain the same, with players requiring 60 academic credits from 2021 to be able to play in 2022.