Maul
A 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".
A maul is different from a ruck because the ball is not on the ground — it is being carried by a player who is held by opponents, and at least one more player from the ball-carrier's own team is also bound on.
Key requirements:
- The ball carrier must be held by at least one opponent
- At least one teammate must also be in contact with the ball carrier
- The ball must be off the ground (held in hands, not on the ground)
- All players in the maul must be on their feet
- A maul must always be moving toward a goal-line — if it stops, the referee will call "use it"
Joining a maul: Players must join from behind the hindmost foot of the last team-mate. They cannot come in from the side (same "gate" rule as a ruck).
Ending a maul: A maul ends when:
- The ball or ball carrier goes to ground (it then becomes a ruck or tackle)
- The ball is passed out of the maul
- The maul reaches the goal line
Use it or lose it: If a maul stops moving or becomes stationary, the referee calls "use it." The attacking team then has a short time to pass the ball out or a scrum is awarded to the defending team.
Sanction: Penalty for any infringement.
Real-World Examples
Scenario
A winger catches a high kick and is immediately grabbed by an opposing tackler. Before the winger reaches the ground, two supporting forwards from her team grab hold of her. The ball stays in her hands.
Outcome
A maul has formed. All other players must join from behind their hindmost team-mates. The maul must keep moving forward or the referee will call "use it."
Scenario
A driving maul approaches the try-line. The defending team stops the maul's forward movement for five seconds.
Outcome
The referee calls "use it." The attacking team must pass the ball out. If they don't use it, the scrum is awarded to the defending team.
Scenario
A prop joins the maul by running around the side and binding onto a team-mate from the flank.
Outcome
Penalty for joining through the side of the maul. The prop must have joined from behind the hindmost foot of the last team-mate in the maul.
Scenario
In a maul, a defender deliberately collapses it by pulling a maul player to the ground.
Outcome
Penalty kick to the attacking team. Wilfully collapsing a maul is dangerous and illegal.