A rugby union match lasts for 80 minutes, (plus stoppage time), with a short interval (no more than 10 minutes) after the first 40 minutes; at under-19 level and below, games are limited to a maximum of 80 minutes, with an interval after 35 minutes.

A match is controlled by a referee, who is assisted by two touch judges or assistant referees. For professional matches, a television match official, commonly called the video referee is often employed, usually to advise the referee on matters pertaining to the scoring of tries and dropped goals.