Formation and Binding
Scrums this season at U12 will now be formed with 6 players from each team. An additional player (No.8) will be introduced at the rear of the scrum, creating a 3-2-1 formation.

Binding requirements remain unchanged in that the 2nd row Locks, must bind to each other using the inside arm, with the outside arm around the hips (not between the legs) of the front row Props. The back row No.8 player must have their head between the hips of the second row, bound with their arms around the hips (not between the legs) of the second row Locks.

Contrary to what you may see on the TV, no player may unbind to pick up the ball at the rear of the scrum but must remain bound onto the scrum until the ball is carried or passed out by the scrum half.

Revised Engagement Sequence
Following extensive research and a successful international trial, a revised scrum engagement sequence is introduced this season; CROUCH – BIND - SET.

Props will now be expected to crouch on the referee’s call of “crouch” and bind using their outside arm after the referee has called "bind". The two opposing front rows will maintain the bind until the referee calls “set”. At that point, the two packs will engage.

The IRB will also instruct referees to ensure that the ball does not enter the tunnel unless the scrum is square and stationary and that a straight throw-in is strictly policed. Only when the ball is in may the packs then drive.

The requirements that under no circumstances is the scrum to be pushed or pulled more than 1.5 metres towards either try line, or wheeled more than 45 degrees, remain in place.

THE LINE OUT

Formation
Line outs this season at U12 will now be formed by five players from each team standing between 2 and 10 metres from the touchline.

Requirements for a player throwing the ball in (Hooker), an immediate opponent (who must stand within 2 metres of the player throwing the ball in) and one player from either side in a position to receive the ball (Scrum Half) remain unchanged.