Rugby term
Forward Pass
Definition
A forward pass is when a player throws or passes the ball towards the opponents' dead-ball line, and the laws call it a throw forward.
The rule
In rugby the ball can only be passed sideways or backwards. A pass that goes forward, towards the opponents' dead-ball line, is a throw forward (Law 11), which everyone calls a forward pass. Players can only move the ball forward by running with it or kicking it.
How referees judge it
The laws judge a pass by the passer's arms: it is a throw forward if the arms of the player passing the ball move forward. Because players are running forward, a pass that leaves the hands backwards can still travel forward over the ground and look forward on a replay. That alone does not make it a forward pass.
What the referee does and signals
The referee stops play unless the other team gains an advantage (Laws 7 and 11). The forward pass signal is shown below.
What happens next
The other team gets a scrum, with the put-in, at the place of the throw forward (Law 19). If the ball went into touch, they can choose a lineout or a quick throw instead (Law 11).
A pass thrown forward on purpose is a penalty kick instead of a scrum (Law 11).
Forward passes and the TMO
Where a TMO is appointed, a forward pass in the build-up to a try can be reviewed, because it is an infringement that may have led to a try (Law 6). If the replay confirms it, the try is disallowed and the defending team gets the scrum.
Referee signal
Common questions
What is a forward pass in rugby?
It is a pass that goes forward, towards the opponents' dead-ball line. The laws call it a throw forward, and it gives the other team a scrum (Law 11).
What happens after a forward pass?
The referee awards a scrum to the other team at the place of the pass, with their put-in, unless they gain an advantage first (Laws 7 and 11).
Is a flat pass legal in rugby?
Yes. A pass is only a throw forward if the passer's arms move forward. A pass straight across the field is legal.
Can the TMO check for a forward pass?
Yes, when it is in the build-up to a try and a TMO has been appointed. A confirmed forward pass means the try is disallowed (Law 6).
Updated