Cam Roigard of the Hurricanes looks to pass from a ruck.
Photo: Elias Rodriguez / www.photosport.nz
A long-standing practice used by halfbacks at every level of the professional game has received World Rugby’s official backing after a request from New Zealand Rugby.
The game’s governing body has issued a formal law clarification confirming referees should continue allowing halfbacks to roll or reposition the ball at the back of a ruck before passing it away, despite the practice appearing to contradict the strict wording of the laws.
NZR asked World Rugby whether a halfback moving beyond the back foot of a ruck and handling the ball was consistent with the laws governing rucks.
The question centres on a common sight in modern rugby. Once possession has been secured, halfbacks will often step past the offside line and use their hands to shift the ball into a better position before passing or running.
While the laws suggest that players should not handle the ball once a ruck has formed, referees have long allowed the practice because the contest for possession has already ended.
In its response, World Rugby acknowledged that the actions of the halfback “do appear to contravene the pure law wordings” but said there was no material offence and match officials were right to prioritise continuity of play.
“The contest for possession is over, the ball secured and then the halfback is playing the ball away to ensure continuity,” the clarification stated.
All Black halfback Finlay Christie in action against Argentina 2023.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
World Rugby said officials should only apply that interpretation when the contest at the ruck was clearly over and reminded referees of existing guidance encouraging an early “use it” call once the ball was available.
The governing body said the laws referenced by NZR should be read alongside the Playing Charter which is a part of the Laws of the Game.
It said that when read together, they seek to establish “the essential balance between continuity of play and continuity of possession”.
World Rugby said the charter stresses the equal importance of both of the above, with nine references to ‘contest’ and eight references to ‘continuity’.
“In the context the request, the rucks defined suggest a contest for possession is over, the ball secured and then the halfback (or player fulfilling that role) is then playing the ball away to ensure continuity.”
The clarification effectively brings the written interpretation of the law into line with how the game has been refereed at the elite level for several years.
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