
In rugby union, a knock-on occurs when a player knocks the ball forward, either when they are in possession or attempting to catch it. Knock-ons frequently happen when a team is putting pressure on their opponents and a forward spills the ball, or an attacker drops it over the line. If the ball goes forward from a player's hand or arm after it has been knocked out by an opponent, it is not a knock-on. Deliberate knock-ons are penalised with a yellow card and a penalty.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Occurrence | When a player knocks the ball forward |
| When a player knocks the ball forward while in possession or attempting to catch it | |
| When a player knocks the ball forward after tackling or attempting to tackle an opponent | |
| When an attacker drops the ball over the line while trying to score | |
| Sanction | Scrum |
| The non-offending team may opt for a quick throw or lineout if the ball goes out of touch | |
| Deliberate knock-ons | Penalised with a yellow card and a penalty |
| Exceptions | When a player knocks the ball forward immediately after an opponent has kicked it (chargedown) |
| When a player rips or knocks the ball from an opponent and it goes forward from the opponent's hand or arm |
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What You'll Learn
- Knock-ons occur when a player knocks the ball forward
- Knock-ons can happen when a player is in possession or attempting to catch the ball
- Tackling an opponent and hitting the ball, causing it to go forward, is a knock-on
- Deliberate knock-ons are penalised with a yellow card and a penalty
- If a player knocks the ball forward immediately after an opponent has kicked it, it is not a knock-on

Knock-ons occur when a player knocks the ball forward
In rugby union, a knock-on occurs when a player knocks the ball forward. This often happens when a player is in possession of the ball or trying to catch it. Knock-ons frequently occur when a team is piling pressure on their opponents and one of the forwards spills the ball, or an attacker drops the ball over the line while trying to score. A knock-on can also occur if a player tackles an opponent and hits the ball, causing it to go forward. In this case, play returns to a scrum.
A knock-on may occur anywhere in the playing area and can result in a scrum if the ball goes into touch. The non-offending team has the option to choose a quick throw or lineout instead. It is considered a knock-on when a player, in tackling or attempting to tackle an opponent, makes contact with the ball, causing it to go forward. This results in a scrum unless the ball goes into touch, in which case the non-offending team has the choice of a quick throw or lineout.
It is important to note that a knock-on is not considered intentional if a player knocks the ball forward while trying to catch it and there was a reasonable expectation that they could gain possession. In this case, play continues. Additionally, if a player knocks the ball forward immediately after an opponent has kicked it (a charge-down), it is not considered a knock-on, and play continues. Similarly, if a player rips or knocks the ball from an opponent and it goes forward from their hand or arm, there is no sanction, and play continues.
Deliberate knock-ons, on the other hand, are penalized and often result in a yellow card and a penalty. However, some consider this to be one of the unfair laws in rugby, as it can be challenging to determine intent.
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Knock-ons can happen when a player is in possession or attempting to catch the ball
In rugby union, a knock-on occurs when a player knocks the ball forward, either when they are in possession or attempting to catch it. Knock-ons frequently happen when a team is putting pressure on their opponents and one of the forwards spills the ball, or an attacker drops the ball over the line while trying to score. A knock-on can also occur when a player is tackled and, in the act of being tackled, knocks the ball forward.
Knock-ons can also happen when a player is attempting to catch the ball. If a player knocks the ball forward while trying to catch it, it is not considered an intentional knock-on, provided that there was a reasonable expectation that the player could gain possession. In this case, play continues, and there is no sanction.
It's important to note that deliberate knock-ons are penalised in rugby union. These penalties often result in a yellow card and are considered one of the most contentious laws in the game.
When a knock-on occurs, the team without the ball is given the put-in at a scrum. If the ball goes into touch after a knock-on, the non-offending team may opt for a quick throw or a line-out instead of a scrum.
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Tackling an opponent and hitting the ball, causing it to go forward, is a knock-on
Rugby is a full-contact sport that involves tackling opponents and battling for possession of the ball. However, there are rules in place to ensure fair play and player safety. One such rule is the knock-on rule, which occurs when a player knocks the ball forward, usually when they are in possession or attempting to catch it. This can also happen during a tackle when a player hits the ball, causing it to move forward. This specific scenario is what we will focus on in this discussion.
In the fast-paced and physically demanding game of rugby union, a knock-on occurs when a player, in the act of tackling or attempting to tackle an opponent, makes contact with the ball, causing it to go forward. This is considered a knock-on even if the player's intention was to tackle the opponent and not to hit the ball. The sanction for this infringement is a scrum, where the non-offending team is given the put-in. If the ball goes into touch after the knock-on, the non-offending team has the option of a quick throw or a line-out.
It is important to distinguish between a knock-on and a charge-down. A charge-down occurs when a player legally blocks or deflects an opponent's kick and the ball goes forward. This is not considered a knock-on, and play continues without any sanctions. Additionally, if a player knocks the ball forward while trying to catch it and there was a reasonable expectation that they could have gained possession, it is not deemed an intentional knock-on, and play continues.
The knock-on rule in rugby union aims to promote fair play and prevent players from intentionally or unintentionally knocking the ball forward to gain an advantage. It encourages players to maintain control of the ball during tackles and when in possession, ensuring a smoother flow of the game. While it may seem unfair for a knock-on to be called when a player accidentally hits the ball during a tackle, this rule helps maintain the integrity of the game and ensures that any loss of possession follows the established protocols.
In conclusion, tackling an opponent and hitting the ball, causing it to go forward, constitutes a knock-on in rugby union. This results in a scrum or a quick throw/line-out if the ball goes into touch. Understanding and adhering to this rule are crucial for players and referees alike to ensure fair and consistent gameplay.
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Deliberate knock-ons are penalised with a yellow card and a penalty
A knock-on in rugby union occurs when a player knocks the ball forward, either when they are in possession or attempting to catch it. Knock-ons frequently occur when a team is putting pressure on their opponents and the ball is spilled or fumbled. They can also occur during a tackle, when a player hits the ball and it goes forward.
Deliberate knock-ons are considered a serious offence and are penalised with a yellow card and a penalty. This is because they are seen as a deliberate attempt to interrupt the flow of the game and prevent the opposing team from gaining an advantage.
However, it is important to note that not all knock-ons are penalised. If a player knocks the ball forward while attempting to catch it and there was a reasonable expectation that they could have gained possession, it is not considered a penalty. Similarly, if a player knocks the ball forward immediately after an opponent has kicked it (a charge-down), there is no sanction and play continues.
The penalty for a deliberate knock-on is designed to deter players from intentionally disrupting play and give the non-offending team a chance to regain possession. The yellow card serves as a warning and a deterrent, while the penalty allows the non-offending team to gain field position and strategise their next move.
While some may argue that a yellow card and penalty are too harsh a punishment for a deliberate knock-on, the rules are in place to maintain the integrity of the game and ensure fair play for both teams.
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If a player knocks the ball forward immediately after an opponent has kicked it, it is not a knock-on
In rugby union, a knock-on occurs when a player accidentally knocks the ball forward with their hand, arm, or fist and it goes forward, or when they drop it forward in the midst of a tackle. However, if a player knocks the ball forward immediately after an opponent has kicked it, it is not considered a knock-on and play may continue. This is because the laws of the game state that a knock-on can only occur from a player's hand or arm, and does not include kicking. Therefore, if a player kicks the ball and it goes forward, it is not a knock-on and play continues. This also applies if a player attempts to catch a ball but it slips from their hands and goes forward; as long as it was not intentional, it is not a knock-on. The same applies to a player charging down an opponent's kick – if the ball goes forward off the charger's hand or arm, it is not a knock-on. Understanding the nuances of what constitutes a knock-on is crucial for players and referees alike to ensure fair and smooth gameplay in rugby union.
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Frequently asked questions
A knock-on occurs when a player knocks the ball forward, usually when they are in possession or attempting to catch a ball. It can also occur when a player, while tackling or attempting to tackle an opponent, makes contact with the ball and it goes forward.
When there is a knock-on, a scrum is formed. The team without the ball is given the put-in at the scrum. If the ball goes out of bounds after a knock-on, the non-offending team may opt for a quick throw or lineout.
Deliberate knock-ons are penalised, often with a yellow card and always with a penalty.

























