In a lineout in rugby is it illegal to catch the ball within 5 metres and what is the result?
31 Mar 2009
When watching rugby I often see the opposing players waving their hands in front of a player trying to take a quick throw. Can’t the player throwing in at a lineout just throw it at the opposition within 5 metres and gain a free kick or penalty?
Thanks
Rugby Rule
19.9 (m) Blocking the throw in.
A lineout player must not stand less than 5 metres from the touchline. A lineout player must not prevent the ball being thrown in 5 metres.
Penalty: Free Kick on the 15-metre line
5 Responses
2009 Mar 25
ye its illegal and it results in a free kick
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2009 Mar 25
No… the throw would be re-taken invariably although a penickity ref may award a free kick.
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2009 Mar 25
Yes it is illegal to take the ball within the 5m and the ref will award a free kick however it is possible he will ask for the ball to be thrown again but not very often this will probably happen at a low open grade or at school age rugby and not at any decent level of senior rugby. And if they threw it at an opposing player they would just turn the ball over.
References :
2009 Mar 25
19.9 (m)
Blocking the throw in. A lineout player must not stand less
than 5 metres from the touchline. A lineout player must not
prevent the ball being thrown in 5 metres.
Penalty: Free Kick on the 15-metre line
References :
IRB 2007 Rugby Rules
2009 Mar 25
yes it is illegal to catch the ball inside the five , to be more precise the ball has to thrown 5 meters if it isn't the opposing team gets a penalty, throwing the ball at the opposition is not guaranteed to work. a lot of referees would do anything about it, thats why you just don't see it take place, hope this helps a bit.
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