Schools rugby operates under the U19 World Rugby 70-Minute match rule - Colati

School rugby competitions in Fiji follow the World Rugby under-19 variation, which limits matches to a total of 70 minutes — two halves of 35 minutes each with a five-minute halftime break.

While speaking to fijivillage Sports, Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union Vice President Biu Colati says under the global governing body’s rules, no additional rugby can be played once the 70 minutes are complete.

This follows concerns raised by members of the public regarding the rules being used during the Vodafone Super Deans quarter finals, where the Nasinu Secondary School’s U18 side was awarded the win against QVS after the game ended in a 20-all draw since they scored the most converted tries.

Colati says when teams are tied after 70 minutes, the winner is determined first on the number of converted tries, then on total tries scored, and finally on which team scored the first try.

Colati says this system, which was approved at the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union AGM and adopted across all school zones, ensures compliance with World Rugby regulations.

He says teams advancing to the national quarterfinals are already familiar with the rule, as it applies throughout zone competitions.

Under the World Rugby U19 variations, a match lasts 70 minutes and is split into two halves, each of not more than 35 minutes, plus time lost.

It states that no extra time is permissible.

Meanwhile, the Super Deans U18 semi finals will see Ratu Kadavulevu School taking on Suva Grammar School, and Natabua High School will take on Nasinu Secondary School.