Restarting Play
Play must be restarted following any score or when (i) the ball leaves the field, (ii) the ball is unplayable or (iii) when play stops due to infraction/injury.

Score - Following any score, play is restarted with a kick-off (see above) to the team who scored (i.e. when you score, you get posession back immediately).

Scrum - If a minor infraction occurs or the ball becomes unplayable and remains on the field, play is restarted with a scrum. Eight forwards are bound together in a 3-4-1 formation and the opposing scrums lock together. The ball is delivered between the two units who push against each other attempting to heel the ball back with their feet to their respective teamates. Hands may not be used in the scrum. When the ball comes out of a scrum it is usually passed to the backs in an optional run-pass-kick attack.

Lineout - When the ball leaves the field, play is restarted by returning the ball to the field using a lineout. Two rows of opposing forwards line up perpendicular to the sideline and the ball is thrown in between them from the sideline. Designated players from each row (i.e. team) jump for the ball to determine posession. When the ball comes out of a lineout, it is usually passed to the backs in an optional run-pass-kick attack.

<< Prev - Next >>

See also ..........
Rugby terms
Player Positions
Lineouts
Scrums