Clarification 2-2026
Clarification in Law by the Designated Members of the Rugby Committee
| Clarification | 2-2026 |
|---|---|
| Union / HP Ref Manager | NZRU |
| Law Reference | 15 |
| Date | 1 June 2026 |
Request
NZRU have asked: Are the actions of a scrum half moving beyond the back foot of the ruck and moving the ball with their hands consistent with Ruck laws?
Relevant Laws
Law 15: Ruck
Offside at a ruck - 15.4: Each team has an offside line that runs parallel to the try line through the hindmost point of any ruck participant. If that point is on or behind the try line, the offside line for that team is the try line.
During a ruck - 15.11: Once a ruck has formed, no player may handle the ball unless they were able to get their hands on the ball before the ruck formed and stay on their feet.
Clarification of the designated members of the Rugby Committee
Response
The laws referenced should be read alongside the Playing Charter which is a part of the Laws of the Game. Together, they seek to establish “the essential balance between continuity of play and continuity of possession.” The Charter stresses the equal importance in Rugby Union of both – with nine references to ‘contest’ and eight references to ‘continuity’.
In the context the request, the rucks defined suggest a contest for possession is over, the ball secured and then the half back (or player fulfilling that role) is then playing the ball away to ensure continuity. The laws highlighted focus on the contest for possession. Match officials must apply the laws in the context of the Charter as well.
While the actions of the scrum half/half back do appear to contravene the pure law wordings, there is no material offence caused and so match officials are ensuring match continuity.
We would remind match officials that this should only be applied when the contest is clearly over; and of the previous Guideline in March 2024 around calling “Use it” as soon as the ball has been “clearly won by a team at the ruck and is available to be played.” This reduces the time for extra players to add themselves to the ruck.
We request World Rugby closely monitor this area of the game so objective data can be brought to the next Shape of the Game discussions for wider consideration, and for possible future law change discussions.