New laws will apply to the HSBC 7s Series from next year as the finals will no longer be played ten minutes a side and will be played 7 minutes a side.
This is done for player welfare as evidence shows that a disproportionate number of injuries take place in the second half of finals.
Injuries per minute are higher in the second half of finals as opposed to the first half and throughout normal matches of seven minutes each way.
The restart kick must be taken within 30 seconds of a penalty kick or dropped goal being attempted where the kick is successful or goes dead.
Teams must form a lineout within 15 seconds from the time the referee indicates the place where the throw‑in will take place.
Teams must be ready to form a scrum within 15 seconds from the time the referee indicates the mark of the scrum, and a penalty or free‑kick must be taken within 30 seconds of being awarded.
Source: World Rugby
