The Lineout is a means of getting the ball back into play from touch.

A minimum 2 from each team can form a lineout and the maximum is determined by the throwing team. The opponents cannot put more in , both lines must be single and straight , between 5 & 15 metres in, must stay 1 metre apart and the ball must be thrown to alight on the plane between the respective shoulders. It cannot happen within 5 metres of the goal line.

Lineouts begin when the ball leaves the thrower. One can’t jump before this (nor can he dummy). Players may not pre-grip team mates below the waist (on the shorts pocket is ok)  and cannot support a jumper below the shorts from behind or below the thighs from the front once he is in the air.Players who support a jumper have a responsibility to lower him safely. Referees will be diligent in protecting jumpers off the ground from dangerous contact. Players can now peel within the line-out 10 metre zone.

Lineouts end when the ball touches a player or the ground, or the ball is thrown beyond 15 metres. Until then, all must stay onside. For those in the lineout (forwards, throwers & 9s) this means on their own side of the line of touch : for the backs it’s 10 metres back. This creation of 20 metres of midfield space is critical , allowing attacking options for ball winners and is another priority area for refs and TJs.

When lineout ball is caught and a maul  develops , joiners must come from behind on their own side ; and backs must remain “back 10” until all the participants feet pass through the line of touch.

A ”Quick Throw” into play is allowed (encouraged) but only if it’s the same ball, it hasn’t touched anyone else, and a lineout hasn’t already formed. It can be taken anywhere nearer his own goal line, must be thrown in straight and at least 5 metres (to himself is ok). 

Referees priorities are always with offences across the line and with policing offside lines. They will use touch judges to give considerable assistance with the management of this phase of the game.