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Rugby term

Maul

Definition

A phase of play with the ball carrier and at least one player from each team bound together and on their feet.

Once formed, a maul must move towards a try line.

Related laws

Law 16MaulA maul forms when the ball carrier is held by opponents while at least one teammate also binds on. Unlike a ruck, the ball is carried off the ground. The maul must keep moving or the referee calls "use it".

Related terms

BindingBinding means gripping a team-mate or an opponent firmly with the arm so that players stay connected, and it is required at scrums and rucks.FlanksThe sides of a ruck, maul, or scrum.GateThe everyday name for how players must join a tackle, ruck or maul: from the direction of their own try line, not from the side.Hindmost footThe foot nearest a team's own try line of its last player in a maul or scrum, used to set the offside line.ObstructionObstruction is illegally blocking an opponent from tackling the ball carrier or reaching the ball, such as running in front of a team-mate who has the ball.OffsideBeing in a position where a player is not permitted to play the ball, interfere with play, or advance.