# Law 5: Time (World Rugby Laws of the Game)

Rugby · Law 5: Time · Insporta Book (https://book.insporta.app/rugby/laws/law-5-time/)

How long a match and half-time last, stoppages, water breaks, and when a half really ends.

## 5.51 Length of a Match and Stoppages

Match and half-time length, who keeps time, stoppages, water breaks and unsafe conditions.

### Test 1: Length of a match and stoppages

- No longer than 80 minutes, in two halves of not more than 40 minutes plus time lost; extra-time only in a knock-out draw. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 5.1)
- Half-time does not exceed 15 minutes, as the match organiser decides. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 5.2)
- Organiser first, then the teams by agreement, then the referee. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 5.3)
- The referee consults the assistant referees, and others only if they cannot help. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 5.4)
- Once the ball is dead the referee may allow time for replacements, clothing, a boot-lace or fetching the ball. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 5.6)
- A two-minute water break, midway through the half, after a score or with the ball dead near half-way. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 5.9)
- The referee has the power to end or suspend the match at any time if it would be unsafe to continue. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 5.10)
- Up to one minute for an injury; more if a seriously injured player has to be removed from the playing area. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 5.5a)
- 1, 2, 15 and 40 minutes. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 5.1-2, 5.5, 5.9)
- The doubt comes first, then the two assistants, then anyone else as a last resort. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 5.4)

## 5.52 Ending a Half

When a half ends after time, its exceptions, and conversions near the end.

### Test 1: Ending a half

- A half ends when the ball becomes dead after time has expired, unless one of the listed exceptions applies. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 5.7)
- A half does not end when the referee awards a free-kick or penalty. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 5.7b)
- A penalty kicked for touch that goes dead without being tapped or touching a player does not end the half. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 5.7c)
- If a try has been scored, the referee allows time for the conversion. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 5.7d)
- The team says "no kick" to the referee after the try is awarded. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 5.8a)
- If the conversion is attempted, time is taken from the strike on the ball; a restart kick follows if time has not elapsed. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 5.8b-c)
- When play was stopped for player safety, the half goes on and play restarts with a scrum. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 5.7e)
- A scrum awarded before time expired is completed; the half ends when the ball next becomes dead. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 5.7a)
- Time is allowed for the conversion before the half ends. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 5.7d)
- Declining or attempting before time elapses leads to a restart kick. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 5.8)

Sources: World Rugby Laws of the Game, Rugby Union 2026, Law 5 (paraphrased in original wording; original questions authored from the law book, not reproduced)

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