Scrum struggles ahead

Peter Debney Uncontested scrums could become a blight on Wairarapa-Bush premier division club rugby matches this season.

Referees may have to impose the "no push" rule on a regular basis if the current shortage of specialist front row forwards being experienced by most clubs remains a problem.

Wairarapa-Bush Rugby Referees Association secretary Peter Debney, who is also a member of NZRFU's laws panel, said the safety of players always had to be paramount for referees, and if they had any doubts about the ability of a player going into the front row handling that situation, then uncontested scrums became an option.

"The referee has to make that call and if they think the safety of any player could be compromised, they will have no hesitation in doing so," Debney said.

He also added that Wairarapa-Bush were fortunate that those referees who officiated at the top club level had the experience and knowledge to make good decisions.

"I think coaches and players can have every confidence in them making the right moves."

Debney said clubs should also be aware that the number of front row forwards available to them going into any premier division game would decide just how many players they could include in their squads.

If they had three they were only able to have a squad of 20, of it was four, that number would increase to 21 and if it was five, they could have seven players on their reserve bench, or 22 in all.

Debney said those numbers were decided upon by the NZRFU and basically covered all levels of the game.

"Again it all comes down to safety, the more front rowers available, the less that is likely to become a factor," he said.

Debney also noted that any side who had less than three competent front row players in their starting line-up for any match would be required to forfeit the game.

Meanwhile the draw has been confirmed for the first series of premier division club games to be played on Saturday, March 24.

East Coast v Pioneer, Whareama at 2.30pm; Martinborough v Gladstone, Martinborough at 2.30pm; Marist v Eketahuna, Memorial Park at 2.30pm; Carterton v Puketoi, Carterton at 2.30pm; Bush Sports v Masterton Red Star, Pahiatua at 2.30pm; Greytown a bye.