Rugby term
Full time
Definition
Full time is the end of a rugby match, which comes when the ball next becomes dead after the playing time, 80 minutes in a full match, has run out.
How long a rugby match lasts
A match lasts no longer than 80 minutes of playing time, split into two halves of up to 40 minutes plus time lost to stoppages (Law 5). Half-time is a break of up to 15 minutes (Law 5). In non-international matches, the match organiser can shorten matches. Under-19 matches, for example, last 70 minutes, with two halves of 35 minutes.
Why the match does not stop on the hooter
Time running out does not end the match on the spot. The half ends when the ball next becomes dead after time has expired (Law 5). Play also carries on when:
- a scrum, lineout or restart kick awarded before time ran out has not been completed
- the referee awards a penalty or a free-kick
- a penalty is kicked into touch, so the lineout can be taken
- a try has been scored, so the conversion can be taken
That is why teams can keep attacking for several minutes after the clock shows 80.
Kicking the ball out to finish
Because the match ends when the ball becomes dead, a team that is ahead often kicks the ball into touch as soon as time is up. A ball in touch is dead (Law 6), so the referee blows for full time.
What the referee does
The referee keeps the time, unless the match organiser has appointed a time-keeper to signal the end of each half (Laws 5 and 6). The referee blows the whistle to end each half (Law 6), and can end a match early if it would be unsafe to continue (Law 5).
If the scores are level
Most matches can end in a draw. Extra time is only played in a drawn match in a knock-out competition, and only when the match organiser has authorised it (Law 5).
Common questions
How long is a rugby match?
No longer than 80 minutes of playing time: two halves of up to 40 minutes plus time lost, with a half-time break of up to 15 minutes (Law 5).
Does a rugby match end when the clock reaches 80 minutes?
No. The match ends when the ball next becomes dead after time is up. If a scrum, lineout, penalty or free-kick is still due, play continues until it is completed (Law 5).
Can you score after full time in rugby?
Yes. If play is still going when time runs out, a team can score before the ball goes dead, and the referee allows time for the conversion (Law 5).
What happens if a rugby match is a draw at full time?
The match ends as a draw, unless it is a knock-out match and the match organiser has authorised extra time (Law 5).
Updated