Rugby FAQ's: The Line Out

By Ian B
June 26 2003

Rugby FAQ's: The Line Out - 1

Can you explain the rules for a lineout? How many players?
The number of players in a lineout is determined by the side throwing the ball in. They can have as many players in there as they want. Ireland put 14 in against England in one international!! The opposition can have the same number or less, but they can't have more. That's usually shouted out as "numbers" and is a free kick offence on the 15m line.


When can others join it?
When it's over and that's it. The only person who can go into the line and receive the ball is the person acting in the scrum half or receiver position.



How long does the hooker have to throw in the ball as I've noticed they can get penalised if they don't get on with the job in hand?
The law says that the ball should be thrown in without delay, which is why the hooker gets penalised. It can also lead to opposition jumpers jumping early which in itself is a free kick offence.



Why is there suddenly an increase in the number of non-scrum-halves in "the scrum-half position"?
Just another way to try to fool the opposition as to where the ball is going to be thrown so that the competition for the ball in the air is minimised.



What are the laws on a 'quick' lineout?
A lineout can only be taken quickly if the player who retrieves the ball uses the same ball as went out before anyone else touches it and before a line is formed at the line of touch. A line is formed when two or more players from each team "form" at the LoT. Watch the touch judge - if his non-flag hand is out, a quick thrown cannot be taken.



What is the law regarding the 15m line? Can the lineout extend beyond it or not?
The pod at the back of the line can move beyond the 15m line if the ball is being thrown there. However, if it is, the offside lines will disappear and the backs can all come up as well. If they back pod players move beyond that line before the lineout starts, they're offside and will be penalised - it started to get picked up late last season, but they'll try it on now and again. It's about gaining a minimal advantage - being at the breakdown quicker.

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