Substitutes
In addition to the thirteen on-field players, there are a maximum of four substitutes (or interchange players) who start the game on their team's bench. Usually, they will be numbered 14, 15, 16 and 17. Each player normally keeps their number for the whole game, regardless of which position they play in. That is, if player number 14 replaces the fullback, he will wear the number 14 for the whole game, and not change shirts to display the number 1.
The rules governing if and when a replacement can be used have varied over the history of the game; currently they can be used for any reason by their coach - typically because of injury, to manage fatigue, for tactical reasons or due to poor performance. Leagues in different countries have had different rules on how many substitutions or interchanges can be made in a game. Under the rules of Australia's National Rugby League ten interchanges are permitted per team in each game. Additionally, if a player is injured due to foul play attracting a penalty, then his team is given a free interchange.
Read more about this topic: Rugby League Positions
Famous quotes containing the word substitutes:
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