Rugby Union: Guide To Offside
This great and simple VideoJug guide fills you in on the main ways that players get caught offside. If you follow the advice demonstrated by Esher Rugby Club, you can improve your game and be more aware of the offside rules.
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If you find yourself in front of play
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Don't interfere with the ball or any opponent, whatever you do.
You're also offside if you move towards your opponents. You should really be making your way back to behind them.
If you're within ten metres of an opponent who's waiting for the ball, you should immediately move back and ‘retire'. Failure to do so is an infringement. -
Offside in a scrum
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Whether you're offside or not in a scrum depends on what position you're playing.
For everyone except the scrum-half, ‘offside' is an imaginary line that runs from the last player in the scrum. For the scrum-half, ‘offside' is an imaginary line that runs through the ball itself. -
Offside in a Ruck or Maul
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There are several instances when you can be offside in a ruck or a maul:
- If you join from the opposition's side.
- If you join in front of your rear-most teammate
- If you're in front of the ruck or maul, but don't immediately retire back to an onside position.
- If you leave the ruck or maul, but don't immediately retire back to an onside position.
