Law Application Guideline – The Maul – effective from 1 June 2026
World Rugby has published a new Law Application Guideline, relating to players who find themselves on the 'wrong' side of the maul, not competing for the ball, and then cause disruption. The guideline comes into effect from 1 June, 2026.
View the Law Application Guideline here >>
An agreed action from the recent World Rugby Shape of the Game meeting in London, which recognised the need to focus on making the sport clearer and simpler for fans and players alike.
The maul has become increasingly difficult to referee, hard to manage, and challenging to explain to viewers and fans.
Players who find themselves on the 'wrong' side of the maul, after initial dominance at set up, often become ineffective in terms of the contest, and in the way of the ball being played away.
What are the key observables?
- The contest for the ball is over, and
- the player gets beyond the ball and/or into a pulling/dragging position.
What are the key actions?
- Players are asked to recognise that when they get beyond the ball and out of the contest, they leave the maul.
- Referees are asked to identify, manage and/or sanction
There is no change in law. The Guideline - which applies to new competitions starting from 1 June, 2026 or those who wish to apply to use mid-season - helps clear up those messy situations when the contest for possession/space has been won.
