Players caught not wearing a mouthguard can now be issued with Yellow and Red Cards!! '

This is effective from 1 January 2018. So make sure you get a proper mouthguard fitted and ready to use for trainings and games.

Here are the technical details:

Match Officials are to apply the following actions on players observed not wearing a mouth guard: The first player observed not wearing a mouth guard is to be penalised under (Law 10.2 (a) Intentionally Offending) and will be issued a Yellow Card.  This player can return to the field of play upon expiry of the 10 minute (2 minutes in Sevens) Temporary Suspension period, but only if the player is wearing a mouth guard. If the offending player is unable to return wearing a mouth guard, then that player can be replaced. This will be deemed to be a permanent replacement and the offending player will not be permitted to return to the field of play under any circumstances. If subsequent players from the same team are observed not wearing a mouth guard these players will be issued a Red Card in accordance with Law 10.3 (b) Repeated Infringements by the team. Any player issued with a Red Card for failing to wear a mouthguard will receive an additional automatic one match suspension. If a player produces a medical certificate stating they should not wear a mouth guard that player will be exempt from the requirement. The medical certificate must be presented to the referee prior to the match. The wearing of a mouthguard is a player/manager/coach responsibility and NZ Rugby fully supports all Match Officials in strictly enforcing the above.

NZR would also request that Team Managers and coaches enforce the wearing of mouthguards at team trainings. Adopting this practice will ensure it becomes common practice for players to wear a mouthguard at all times when involved in playing or training. The ARU fully supports the NZR and referees in applying this enhanced Domestic Safety Law Variation.