The maximum number of players on a Match Roster is 23. Clubs are free to provide a Match Roster with less than 23 players. There is no requirement for both clubs to have the same number of players on their Match Rosters for any match.  Technically there is a minimum number of players for a match to begin. The iRB laws say five in the scrum and at least one person to put the ball into play. It is the sole decision of the referee to begin a match when one or both teams have less than fifteen players available. As per the chart above, if a club has only fifteen players available, at least three of them must be capable of playing in the front row.