No 4/5 pickup

[PaulDG]

I had this the other day when playing 10s.

5 man scrum - so the 4 & 5 are generally the hindmost players.

I was asked if they could pick up. I'd never thought about this before but reasoned that as they were the hindmost players, then yes, they should. So I allowed it.

Was I right?

 

[KML1]

My gut feel would be no (if only from a safety point of view. Why? - because the law is written with a Number 8 in mind. (Ok and flankers if it wheels) Depends on the comp regs I guess - 10s is one of those hybrids where its not clear. Either the comp regs should be clear, or the refs should get together and decide what is going to happen.

 

[Simon Thomas]

I have refereed in a national Vets 10s tourney for last 10 years, and been in involved with others including the recent RFU Play On Hieneken 10s.

In all cases #8 style pick up by one of the two second rows in 5 man scrum has not been allowed on safety grunds by tourney rules and us as refs.

 

[Toby Warren]

How about the hooker picks and goes in 7s!:biggrin:

 

[Dickie E]

comment withdrawn - repeat of Lizban's thoughts