1] Dimensions of the Technical Zone

a. For International Matches two technical zones shall be provided within the playing enclosure on the same side of the pitch, each one on either side of the half-way line and outside the field-of-play.

b. These technical zones must be marked on the ground.

c. The line nearest the touch line must be parallel to the touch line.

d. The technical zones commence five metres from the half-way line. The technical zones must not exceed ten metres in length and three metres in width and must not be less than two metres from the touch line (see attached schematic).

e. Wherever practically possible the zones should be behind advertising hoardings with easy access to the field of play.

2]  Personnel permitted in the Technical Zone

a. No more than two medically trained persons (certified doctors or physiotherapists only) and two water carriers per team are permitted to operate from the technical zones.

b. No other person (including team officials or players) is permitted in the technical zones.

c. One of the medically trained personnel permitted to operate from the technical zone, as listed in (a) above, may be positioned instead on the far side of the playing area on the touch line opposite the technical zone. The other medically trained personnel may operate on the near side as ‘roving’ medical assistant. No water carrier is allowed to ‘roam’ outside the technical area except when there is a stoppage in play ordered by the referee.

d. Where practically possible the medical person on the far side must stay outside the advertising hoardings. The medical person on the far side may keep up with play, but must pay due regard to the needs and rights of players, spectators, broadcasters and commercial partners.

e. The medical personnel may enter the field of play in accordance with Law at any time a player is injured.

3]  Roles of personnel in the Technical Zone

a. Water may only be taken on the field during stoppages in play for injuries in the playing area and when a try has been scored.

b. The two water carriers are not permitted in the playing area during penalty kicks at goal.

c. The water carriers must remain in the technical zone at all times unless they enter the playing area to provide water or when ONE enters to provide a kicking tee to a kicker at a penalty kick.

d. Players may come to the touch line adjacent to the technical zone to receive water.

e.  Water bottles must not be thrown on to the field of play.

4]  Management of the Technical Zone

a. All personnel permitted in the technical zones must have some distinguishing mark e.g. arm bands/vests.

b. The fourth and fifth officials will manage the technical zones. If there is a transgression of the protocol, the matter will be reported to the match referee.

c. The match referee may caution any offender or at his discretion expel the person(s) from the playing enclosure for any breach of the protocol.

d. Any breach of the protocol may be reported to the Designated Disciplinary Official who shall be entitled to undertake investigations and lodge Misconduct Complaints pursuant to IRB Regulation 17.21 against the Union(s) and/or person(s) concerned.

e. Should any person be expelled from the playing enclosure for a breach of the protocol they must be reported by the match referee to the Designated Disciplinary Official, who shall be entitled to undertake investigations and lodge Misconduct Complaints pursuant to IRB Regulation 17.21 against the Union(s) and/or person(s) concerned.

5]  Personnel outside of the Technical Zone

a. The replacement bench and the location of the coaches should, wherever possible, be outside the playing enclosure.

b. If replacements require to warm up and there is not an area outside the playing enclosure, they may warm up in the opposition in-goal area but must not use balls in their warm up.