Rugby term
On the ground
Definition
A player who has any part of their body (other than feet) touching the ground.
Players on the ground cannot participate in open play, rucks, or mauls.
Related laws
Law 13Players on the Ground in Open PlayA player who goes to ground with the ball must at once get up, play it without kicking it, or let it go. Players on the ground without the ball are out of the game.Law 14Tackle: Ball Carrier Brought to GroundDefines the tackle, and the duties of the tackler, tackled player, and other players arriving at the tackle. All must act quickly to keep the game moving.
Related terms
Ball carrierThe player who has possession of the ball.BreakdownThe breakdown is the contest for the ball straight after a tackle, covering the tackle itself and any ruck that forms over the ball on the ground.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.JackalingJackaling is when a player stays on their feet over a tackled opponent and uses their hands to win the ball before a ruck forms.TackleA tackle happens when the ball carrier is held by one or more opponents and brought to the ground.Tackled playerA ball carrier who has been brought to the ground (at least one knee on the ground) while being held by an opponent.