Line-out (rugby union)

A line-out or lineout is a means by which, in rugby union, play is restarted after the ball has gone into touch.

In 2021 World Rugby began trialling what was dubbed the "50:22" (or "50–22") rule, wherein the kicking team has the throw-in if the ball travels from the kicker's half and bounces beyond the opposing 22-meter line.

Due to the specific rules placed on quick throw-ins they are uncommon in a rugby match, with the majority of restarts from touch taking the form of a line-out.

Players who are taking part in the line-out may move beyond the 15-metre line as soon as the ball leaves the thrower's hands.

[6] Players from the side not throwing may jump to compete for the ball, though they must be careful not to attract a penalty for interfering with an opposing jumper.

In such cases, the defending team will often seek to disrupt this tactic by driving in on the catcher, taking him to ground immediately, before a maul can form.

[11] To prevent quick throw-ins, members of the opposing team will often race to the point where the ball went into touch to ensure a line-out is forming.

However, unlike a line-out, the ball may be thrown back in the direction of the player's own goal line.