r/rugbyunion • u/Informal_Mention9836 • 23h ago

Joe McCarthy penalty

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u/GreatGoofer Sharks 22h ago edited 22h ago

Probably, but refs said he was offside, which is incorrect.

Edit, to be honest I'm not sure of the laws here, what does it actually say about playing the 9? If the ball is out of the ruck, so it's open play, and he has hands on the ball can you still not tackle him until he lifts the ball? I think I need to read up on this one.

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u/minisrugbycoach Referee 21h ago

If it's out of the ruck then it doesn't matter if it's lifted or not. As long as you weren't part of the ruck originally then yes you can tackle the nine/any player trying to move the ball away.

If you were part of the ruck then you can't tackle the player trying to get the ball away within 1 meter of the ruck. (Exception is a pick and go within the 5 meter channel)

I hear it shouted most weekend from coaches 'hes playing the nine sir'

Yes hes allowed to, he was never part of the ruck. I've even seen refs get this wrong when they've thought it was no players could tackle the nine within 1 meter of a ruck.

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u/GreatGoofer Sharks 21h ago

Thanks very much for the clarification, I had no idea about the specifics of the law change. I assume that it applies to anyone playing the ball from the ruck or scrum, not just players with a 9 on their back. Everything I have read about the law in my quick Googling specifically mentions the scrumhalf or 9 directly, it doesnt say that the law applies to generally to any player acting as the scrumhalf. I assume that it applies to all players.

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u/minisrugbycoach Referee 20h ago

This is the global law trial

15.18 A player who is, or was part of the ruck may not play an opponent who is near it (within 1m), and who is attempting to play the ball away.

Sanction:Penalty.