To join a maul legally and effectively in rugby, you must approach from an onside position, bind securely onto the hindmost player, and ensure your heads and shoulders are no lower than your hips. Adhering to these rules is crucial for both safety and maintaining possession.
Understanding the Maul in Rugby
A maul is a dynamic phase of play in rugby union where a ball carrier is held by one or more opponents, and one or more of the ball carrier's teammates bind onto the ball carrier. The ball is off the ground, and players are on their feet, driving forward. Mauls are powerful offensive weapons, often used to gain ground or set up further attacks near the try line.
Joining a maul correctly is vital for several reasons:
- Safety: Incorrect entry can lead to collapses, risking serious injury to players.
- Legality: Breaking the rules results in penalties, conceding possession and territory.
- Effectiveness: Proper technique contributes to the maul's power and stability, helping your team gain ground.
Key Rules for Joining a Maul Legally
The World Rugby laws govern how players can join a maul. Following these specific guidelines ensures fair play and player safety.
The Onside Requirement
Before you can join a maul, you must be in an onside position. This means you cannot have previously been offside and not returned to an onside position. Typically, this implies joining from behind your team's offside line, which usually runs through the hindmost foot of the hindmost player in the maul. Approaching from an offside position will lead to a penalty against your team.
Proper Binding Technique
When entering a maul, you must bind securely onto an existing player. Specifically:
- Bind onto the hindmost player: You are required to bind onto the last player in the maul from your team's perspective. This ensures the maul maintains its structure and doesn't illegally extend forward or sideways.
- Secure grasp: Your bind must be a full arm bind, gripping a teammate's jersey or shorts securely. Simply pushing or leaning is not considered a legal bind.
Maintaining Body Height
For safety and structural integrity, players joining a maul must maintain a specific body posture:
- Heads and shoulders no lower than hips: This rule is critical. When you join, your head and shoulders must be at least level with, or higher than, your hips. This posture promotes a strong, stable body position, reducing the risk of collapsing the maul and potential neck or back injuries. It also prevents players from 'diving' into the maul.
Consequences of Illegal Maul Entry
Failing to adhere to the rules for joining a maul will result in a sanction against your team, typically a free-kick. This means your opponents will be awarded possession and can restart play quickly, potentially gaining territory or launching an attack. Repeated infringements can lead to more severe penalties, including yellow cards for dangerous play.
Practical Tips for Effective Maul Entry
Beyond the strict rules, there are practical aspects that can enhance your effectiveness when joining a maul:
- Timing is everything: Wait for the maul to be clearly formed and stable before attempting to join. Rushing in too early can disrupt its formation.
- Communicate: Call out to your teammates to let them know you're joining, especially if you're adding power from a new angle.
- Low body position (but within rules): While keeping your heads and shoulders above your hips, aim for a strong, low drive through your legs. This generates forward momentum.
- Drive forward: Once bound, use your leg power to drive forward in unison with your teammates, aiming to push the opposition back.
- Maintain bind: Continuously ensure your bind is secure to contribute effectively to the maul's power and stability.
- Protect the ball: As a collective unit, the maul's primary goal is to protect the ball carrier and advance the ball.
Quick Reference: Joining a Maul
Here's a summary of the critical actions for legally joining a maul:
| Action | Description | Sanction for Infringement |
|---|---|---|
| Approach Position | Be in an onside position before entering. | Free-kick |
| Binding Point | Bind securely onto the hindmost player of your team in the maul. | Free-kick |
| Body Posture | Maintain heads and shoulders no lower than hips when binding and driving. | Free-kick |
| Binding Method | Use a full arm bind to grasp a teammate's jersey or shorts. | Free-kick |
| Primary Goal | Drive forward collectively and protect the ball carrier. | N/A |
For comprehensive details on all rugby laws, refer to the official World Rugby Laws of the Game. Understanding these rules is fundamental for safe and legal participation.
