Clarification 9-2006

Ruling in Law by the Designated Members of the Rugby Committee

Request

The FFR has requested a ruling with regard to Law 17 Maul

1. During a maul the ball carrier and one of his team mates leave the maul.
a. Can an opponent tackle the ball carrier?
b. Does the ball carrier have to be the lead player?

2. During a maul. The defending team's players leave the maul, with the exception of only one player who remains bound.
a. Can this player tackle the ball carrier?

3. During a lineout, the players who won the ball from a maul but no opponent goes to join this group of players.
a. Does this group of players constitute a maul?
b. Can an opponent tackle the ball carrier?
c. Does the ball carrier have to be the lead player?

Ruling of the designated members of the Rugby Committee

1. (a) Yes as it is no longer a maul.
1. (b) Yes otherwise it is obstruction.
2. (a) It is still a maul, and the maul cannot be collapsed.
3. (a) It is not a maul by definition.
3. (b) Yes
3. (c) Yes otherwise it is obstruction.