Laws of Rugby - 20.3

The NZRU has requested a ruling relating to Law 20.3

Law 20 was amended with effect from January 2007 - a four stage engagement process was introduced. This was promulgated to reduce the impact and the velocity of the engagement process. There are some teams who employ a practice whereby the Number 8 does not bind in accordance with Law prior to the scrum engagement.
The Number 8 stands and pulls back on the locks shorts and then pushes the locks forward which would appear to increase the impact of the engagement process and can increase instability.

Law 20.3 (f) states - Binding by all other players. All other players in a scrum,other than front-row players must bind on a lock's body with at least one arm. The locks must bind with the props in front of them. No players other than a prop may hold an opponent.

The NZRU believe that this means that the Number 8 is obliged to bind in accordance with Law 20.3 (f) on engagement and if he does not do so renders himself liable to sanction with a penalty kick.

The Designated Members have ruled the following in answer to the question raised:
The Designated Members confirm that all players including the Number 8 are required to bind in accordance with Law 20.3 on engagement.

Additionally Law 20.7 heading states WHEN THE SCRUM BEGINS whilst 20.7 (a) states:
Play in the scrum begins when the ball leaves the hands of the scrum half The word play within the body of the Law indicates the start of the contest for the ball rather than the engagement process. Players must therefore conform to the Laws from the time that the scrum is awarded including Law 20.3.