Skip to main content

Rugby term

Touch

Definition

The area outside the playing field, beyond the touchlines.

The ball or player is in touch when touching or crossing the touchline.

Related laws

Law 18Touch, Quick Throw-in and LineoutCovers when the ball is in touch, how to take a quick throw-in, and all lineout rules including formation, throw-in, offside, and lifting.

Related terms

LineoutA set piece used to restart play after the ball goes into touch.Line of touchThe imaginary line perpendicular to the touchline at the point where the ball went into touch.OffsideBeing in a position where a player is not permitted to play the ball, interfere with play, or advance.Quick throw-inA throw-in at the lineout taken before the lineout forms, using the original ball, by any player of the throwing team.Set pieceA structured phase of play used to restart the game, primarily the scrum and the lineout.TouchlineThe boundary line running along the length of the field, separating the playing area from touch.