What is a knock-on in rugby?

In rugby, a knock-on refers to an infringement that occurs when a player accidentally or intentionally loses control of the ball, causing it to travel forward out of their hands or arms and make contact with the ground or another player before being caught. This results in a stoppage of play and a scrum awarded to the opposing team.

A knock-on can occur during a pass, an attempted catch, or during a player's attempt to gain control of the ball. It is important to note that the ball must travel forward from the player's hands or arms for a knock-on to be called. If the ball goes backward or is deliberately passed or knocked backwards, it is not considered a knock-on.

When a knock-on occurs, the referee blows the whistle, signaling a scrum to the non-offending team. The scrum is formed by players from both teams binding together and competing for possession of the ball. The team that did not commit the knock-on gets the put-in at the scrum, providing them with an opportunity to gain control of the ball and resume play.

Knock-ons are considered accidental infractions, and players do not receive penalties or disciplinary actions for them. However, they do result in a turnover of possession, giving the opposing team an opportunity to regain control and launch an attack. Knock-ons can significantly impact the flow and momentum of the game, as possession changes hands, and the team that committed the infringement must now defend against their opponents.

In addition to a knock-on, if a player intentionally knocks the ball forward with their hand or arm, it is considered a deliberate knock-on, which may result in a penalty or yellow card for the offending player. Deliberate knock-ons are seen as a tactical foul, intended to prevent the opposition from gaining an advantage.

Overall, a knock-on in rugby occurs when a player loses control of the ball, causing it to travel forward out of their hands or arms and make contact with the ground or another player. It results in a scrum awarded to the opposing team, providing them with an opportunity to gain possession and continue the game.

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