Laws/Rules

[Phil E]

you know those times when you come up with a witty and sparkling repartee days later? Phil, this ain't one of 'em.

Best you don't bother then Dickie!

 

[L'irlandais]

Bull & Bush...

Interesting.



I agree the subtle difference between both words is probaly insignifiant in the context of rugby.
(Semantics being what it are.)

OED : (sense 1) Laws are a system of rules a) recognised by our community as regulating the actions of its members
b) and enforced by the imposition of penalties.

(sense 3) a law is a rule defining correct proceedure or behaviour in a sport.

The sporting sense, plays off the original sense of the word's "enforced by the imposition of penalties". Surely referees can see that as a bit of fun by the historical character/lawyer, LJ Maton mentioned by OB.. earlier.

 

[OB..]

The sporting sense, plays off the original sense of the word's "enforced by the imposition of penalties". Surely referees can see that as a bit of fun by the historical character/lawyer, LJ Maton mentioned by OB.. earlier.

Throughout nearly all the nineteenth century (and in many case beyond) the terms Laws and Rules were used interchangeably.