Law 13: Players on the Ground in Open Play

Law 13's principle: the game is played only by players who are on their feet.

Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13, Principle · recall

They must immediately get up with it, play it (but not kick it), or release it.

Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.1 · applied

Players who go to ground with the ball must act immediately. Sanction: penalty.

Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.1 · recall

Once the ball is played or released, players on the ground must immediately move away or get up.

Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.2 · applied

Failing to get up, play or release the ball at once is sanctioned by a penalty.

Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.1 · applied

It covers players on the ground in open play; rucks, mauls and the tackle have their own laws.

Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13 · recall

The same duties apply whether or not an opponent is near.

Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.1 · applied

A player who goes to ground to gather the ball must immediately get up, play it (not kick it) or release it.

Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.1 · applied

Release or play first, then get up or move away, both immediately.

Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.1-2 · recall

Getting up and passing are allowed; kicking from the ground is not.

Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.1 · recall

A player on the ground without the ball is out of the game.

Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.3 · recall

They must allow opponents who are not on the ground to play or gain possession.

Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.3a · recall

A player on the ground without the ball must not tackle or attempt to tackle. Sanction: penalty.

Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.3c · applied

Players on their feet without the ball must not fall on or over players on the ground who have it or are near it.

Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.4 · applied

A player on the ground without the ball must not play it.

Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.3b · recall

The rule protects players on the ground who have the ball or who are near it.

Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.4 · recall

Out of the game while on the ground: they must not play the ball or stop opponents playing it.

Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.3 · applied

Feet count as playing the ball.

Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.3b · applied

Back on their feet, they are in the game again.

Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.3 · recall

Getting up and moving away are expected; playing the ball is not allowed.

Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.2-3 · recall