World Rugby has issued a law application guideline for the breakdown following the Executive Committee’s approval of recommendations by the specialist breakdown working group.
The Law 14 and 15 application guideline will be operational for all competitions commencing after 1 July, 2020 and reinforces the application of current law for what is a complex and dynamic facet of the game.
Hmmm…interesting to see how stringently these laws will be adhered to and officiated 👀🤔 https://t.co/IOItvdpogP
— Neil Back MBE (@NeilBack) April 2, 2020
- Tackler (Law 14): 14.5 – must a) Immediately release the ball and the ball-carrier after both players go to ground and b) Immediately move away from the tackled player and from the ball or get up.
- Ball Carrier (Law 14): 14.2 – Being brought to ground means that the ball-carrier is lying, sitting or has at least one knee on the ground or on another player who is on the ground. 14.5 – Tacklers must: d) Allow the tackled player to release or play the ball.
- First arriving player (Law 15): 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. 15.12 – Players must endeavour to remain on their feet throughout the ruck.
- Other arriving players (Law 15): 5 – An arriving player must be on their feet and join from behind their offside line. 6 – A player may join alongside but not in front of the hindmost player. 10 – Possession may be won either by rucking or by pushing the opposing team off the ball.
LIST | 6 internationals you didn’t know were still playing
Below, we have rounded up five internationals that we are certain you will be surprised to learn are still playing.
Did we miss anybody particularly noteworthy? Make sure you let us know in the comments below.
1. Kane Thompson
A real journeyman if there ever was one, Thompson has played for multiple teams around the world including stints in France, New Zealand, Japan, England and now America. The Samoa international had stints at the Highlanders and Chiefs in Super Rugby, as well as six different Mitre 10 Cup sides before rocking up in Major League Rugby to play for New Orleans Gold.