Time
Governs match duration, half-time, time-keeping, and conditions for ending a half.
A standard rugby match lasts 80 minutes: two halves of 40 minutes each. The referee keeps the time (or delegates to an official time-keeper). Half-time is a break of up to 15 minutes.
The clock can be stopped for player injuries (up to one minute, or longer if a player is seriously injured) and for referee consultations. The referee can also allow time for player replacements, boot re-lacing, and ball retrieval after the ball goes dead.
A half doesn't automatically end when time runs out. If a scrum, lineout, or restart kick was awarded before time expired and hasn't been completed, play continues. If a team is awarded a penalty or free-kick, they can take it. If a try is scored, time is extended for the conversion.
In very hot or humid conditions, the referee may allow a two-minute water break midway through each half.
Real-World Examples
Scenario
The 40-minute buzzer sounds while the ball is in open play. The attacking team is mid-phase, running towards the try line.
Outcome
The half does not immediately end. The ball must become dead after time expires. Play continues until the ball goes dead — for example, through a tackle, penalty, or the ball going into touch. At that point the half ends (unless a penalty or try is awarded, which extends play further).
Scenario
Time expires and the referee awards a scrum to the attacking team. The scrum collapses and has to be reset.
Outcome
Play continues. A scrum awarded before time expired that has not been completed means the half cannot end. Even if the scrum needs to be reset, it must be completed and the ball returned to open play before the half can end.
Scenario
A try is scored with two seconds left on the clock. The conversion attempt takes 55 seconds.
Outcome
The conversion is allowed because the try was scored before time expired (Law 5.7(d)). Time is taken from the strike on the ball for the conversion attempt. The conversion counts if successful.
Scenario
It is an exceptionally hot day — 38°C. The referee wants to give players water during the halves.
Outcome
Under Law 5.9, the referee can allow a two-minute water break midway through each half. This should happen after a score or when the ball is dead near the halfway line.