# Law 13: Players on the Ground in Open Play (World Rugby Laws of the Game)

Rugby · Law 13: Players on the Ground in Open Play · Insporta Book (https://book.insporta.app/rugby/laws/law-13-players-on-the-ground-in-open-play/)

What players must do after going to ground with the ball, and why a player on the ground without it is out of the game.

## 13.131 Going to Ground with the Ball

Getting up, playing (not kicking) or releasing the ball, and moving away.

### Test 1: Going to ground with the ball

- Law 13's principle: the game is played only by players who are on their feet. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13, Principle)
- They must immediately get up with it, play it (but not kick it), or release it. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.1)
- Players who go to ground with the ball must act immediately. Sanction: penalty. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.1)
- 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)
- Failing to get up, play or release the ball at once is sanctioned by a penalty. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.1)
- 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)
- The same duties apply whether or not an opponent is near. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.1)
- 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)
- Release or play first, then get up or move away, both immediately. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.1-2)
- Getting up and passing are allowed; kicking from the ground is not. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.1)

## 13.132 Out of the Game on the Ground

Players on the ground without the ball, and falling on players who are down.

### Test 1: Out of the game on the ground

- A player on the ground without the ball is out of the game. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.3)
- They must allow opponents who are not on the ground to play or gain possession. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.3a)
- 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)
- 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)
- A player on the ground without the ball must not play it. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.3b)
- The rule protects players on the ground who have the ball or who are near it. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.4)
- 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)
- Feet count as playing the ball. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.3b)
- Back on their feet, they are in the game again. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.3)
- Getting up and moving away are expected; playing the ball is not allowed. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 13.2-3)

Sources: World Rugby Laws of the Game, Rugby Union 2026, Law 13 (paraphrased in original wording; original questions authored from the law book, not reproduced)

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