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when is the ball deemed to be out in rugby,either at the base of a srum,or ruck
Don't think the rule book helps much. I think the general consensus is when a bird can s**t on it. But that only open another set of questions!
Dennis
I agree with Andy it is sometimes difficult to judge and the interpretation of the ref is crucial to check before the game but generally speaking once there are (No 9) hands on the ball it is deemed out of the scrum, ruck or maul.
Do look at irblaws.com to get more information:
16.6 SUCCESSFUL END TO A RUCK
A ruck ends successfully when:
17.5 SUCCESSFUL END TO A MAUL
A maul ends successfully when :
I hope this helps you
Simon
The ball is also deemed out of the scrum when the 8, with ball at feet, detaches himself from the scrum. Again, individual refreeeing interpretations apply, but the 8 must be bound with both arms to be attached.
It frustrates me, and it is wrong, to say that this basic and fundamental point is "open to interpretation". The law, as quoted above, is pretty succinct and clear. The whole idea of the more recent tweeks to the laws have been to open up the game and give the attacking team the benefit. "Hands on" the ball, does not mean the ball is out, i.e. gone beyond the hindmost foot, and it should be refereed more consistently as such.
in more ways than one
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