Summary: This comprehensive technical guide provides an exhaustive exploration of the offside rules in rugby union, specifically tailored for the New Zealand sporting environment. We dissect the fundamental "line of scrimmage" across various phases of play, including open play, rucks, mauls, scrums, and lineouts. The article details the critical "10-metre law" during kicks, the responsibilities of players to remain "onside," and how referees manage the "gate" at the breakdown. Additionally, we examine the 2026 law amendments focusing on "passive offside" and "intentional obstruction," providing actionable insights for players and fans to understand how field positioning dictates the flow of New Zealand’s national game.
Understanding the Core Philosophy of Offside in NZ Rugby
In the context of New Zealand's high-intensity rugby, the offside rule is the primary mechanism used to ensure there is space for attacking play and to prevent defenders from simply standing behind the opposition. At its most basic, a player is offside if they are "in front of the ball" when it was last played by a teammate. In Aotearoa, where "line speed" and aggressive defense are hallmarks of the local style, mastering the offside line is a matter of discipline that separates professional athletes from amateurs. According to World Rugby laws, an offside player is temporarily out of the game and must not interfere with play, move toward the ball, or obstruct an opponent until they are put "onside" by a specific action.
- Primary Rule: You are offside if you are in front of a teammate who is carrying the ball or who last played it.
- The Penalty: Most offside infringements result in a penalty kick for the opposition, though "accidental" offside may result in a scrum.
- The "Onside" Reset: A player can be put onside by retreating behind the teammate who kicked or passed the ball, or by that teammate running past them.
- Referee Communication: Referees in the Bunnings NPC often use verbal warnings like "Blue Seven, you're offside, don't involve!" before blowing the whistle.
Primary Rule: You are offside if you are in front of a teammate who is carrying the ball or who last played it.
The Penalty: Most offside infringements result in a penalty kick for the opposition, though "accidental" offside may result in a scrum.
The "Onside" Reset: A player can be put onside by retreating behind the teammate who kicked or passed the ball, or by that teammate running past them.
Referee Communication: Referees in the Bunnings NPC often use verbal warnings like "Blue Seven, you're offside, don't involve!" before blowing the whistle.
| Offside Condition | Requirement | Penalty Risk |
| General Play | Must be behind the ball carrier | High – results in a penalty kick. |
| Breakdown | Must be behind the hindmost foot | High – often leads to “easy” 3 points. |
| Set Piece | Must respect the 5m or 10m lines | Medium – usually results in a reset or penalty. |
Offside in Open Play and the Kick-Chase
In open play, the offside line is fluid and moves with the ball. The most common offside situations occur during a "kick-chase." When a New Zealand fly-half kicks the ball downfield, every teammate who was in front of the kicker at the moment of the kick is technically offside. These players cannot move toward the ball or the opponent waiting to catch it until they have been "put onside." In the NZ game, this is often managed by the kicker sprinting forward to "chase" their own kick, thereby putting their teammates onside as they pass them.
The 10-Metre Law during Kicking
A specific and strict sub-rule is the "10-metre law." If an offside player is within 10 metres of the opponent catching the ball, they must actively retreat away from that opponent. They cannot simply stand still; they must show the referee they are making an effort to get out of the "10-metre zone."
- Interference: Touching the ball or tackling the receiver while offside is a major penalty.
- Passive Offside: If a player is offside but 40 metres away from the action, the referee may ignore them.
- Putting Teammates Onside: The kicker (or anyone behind them) must run past the offside player to "clear" them.
- Opponent Action: If the opponent catches the ball and runs 5 metres, it also puts the offside players onside.
Interference: Touching the ball or tackling the receiver while offside is a major penalty.
Passive Offside: If a player is offside but 40 metres away from the action, the referee may ignore them.
Putting Teammates Onside: The kicker (or anyone behind them) must run past the offside player to "clear" them.
Opponent Action: If the opponent catches the ball and runs 5 metres, it also puts the offside players onside.
| Kicking Scenario | Offside Player Action | Legality |
| Stationary | Standing within 10m of receiver | Illegal – Penalty Kick. |
| Retreating | Actively running away from ball | Legal – Play continues. |
| Chasing | Running toward ball before kicker | Illegal – Penalty Kick. |
The Breakdown: Offside Lines at Rucks and Mauls
The breakdown is where most offside penalties occur in New Zealand rugby. When a ruck or maul is formed, two offside lines are created. These lines run parallel to the goal lines and pass through the hindmost foot of the last player in the ruck or maul. Any player who is not part of the ruck or maul and is in front of that hindmost foot is offside. In Super Rugby Pacific, the "pillar" defenders (those standing closest to the ruck) must be extremely careful to keep their feet behind that imaginary line to avoid giving away a penalty.
Entering the Gate Legally
To join a ruck or maul without being offside, a player must enter through the "gate." This is the area directly behind the hindmost foot. Entering from the side—known as "side entry"—is technically an offside offence because the player is bypassing the legal offside line to gain a tactical advantage.
- Hindmost Foot: The absolute limit for defenders; even a toe over the line is offside.
- Changing Lines: As the ruck moves or more players join, the offside line moves with the hindmost foot.
- The "Lazy" Runner: Players retreating from a previous play who get caught on the "wrong side" of the ruck.
- Hands in Ruck: An offside player cannot reach into a ruck to grab the ball.
Hindmost Foot: The absolute limit for defenders; even a toe over the line is offside.
Changing Lines: As the ruck moves or more players join, the offside line moves with the hindmost foot.
The "Lazy" Runner: Players retreating from a previous play who get caught on the "wrong side" of the ruck.
Hands in Ruck: An offside player cannot reach into a ruck to grab the ball.
| Breakdown Phase | Offside Line | Common Error |
| Ruck | Last foot of last player | “Creeping” forward before the ball is out. |
| Maul | Last foot of last player | “Swimming” around the side to the ball. |
| Tackle | No line until ruck forms | Failing to release the ball carrier. |
Offside Rules at the Scrum
The scrum has very specific offside rules to ensure the backlines have space to attack. For the players in the scrum, they must stay bound until the ball is out. For all other players (the backs), the offside line is 5 metres behind the hindmost foot of the scrum. The only exception is the halfbacks. The attacking halfback must stay behind the ball, and the defending halfback must stay behind the ball or retreat 5 metres if they choose to move away from the scrum.
Defending the Scrum Base
In New Zealand, defending halfbacks often "shadow" the ball through the scrum. They must stay on their side of the tunnel and behind the ball. If they step in front of the ball while it is still in the scrum, they are offside.
- 5-Metre Rule: All backs must be at least 5 metres back until the ball is completely out.
- Early Break: Flankers must stay bound; if they unbind before the ball is out, they are offside.
- The Number 8: If the 8 picks the ball up, the offside lines disappear and it becomes open play.
- Resetting: If the scrum collapses, players must remain behind the original mark.
5-Metre Rule: All backs must be at least 5 metres back until the ball is completely out.
Early Break: Flankers must stay bound; if they unbind before the ball is out, they are offside.
The Number 8: If the 8 picks the ball up, the offside lines disappear and it becomes open play.
Resetting: If the scrum collapses, players must remain behind the original mark.
| Scrum Role | Offside Line | Action Allowed |
| Backline Players | 5m behind Number 8 | Can only charge once ball is out. |
| Defending Halfback | The ball itself | Can follow the ball laterally. |
| Forwards | Must stay bound | Can only break once ball is out. |
Lineout Offside: The 10-Metre Buffer
The lineout offside rules are designed to prevent the defending backline from "smothering" the attack. While the forwards are competing for the ball between the 5-metre and 15-metre lines, all other players must be at least 10 metres back from the "line of touch" (the middle of the lineout). These players must remain 10 metres back until the lineout is over—which happens when the ball is thrown beyond the 15m line, the ball carrier leaves the lineout, or a ruck/maul is formed.
When is the Lineout Over?
Understanding when the lineout ends is crucial for NZ defenders. If they charge forward before the jumper has caught the ball or before the maul has moved, they will be penalized for being offside at the lineout.
- 10-Metre Line: Usually marked by the referee's assistant or the referee's own positioning.
- Long Throw: If the ball is thrown over the heads of the forwards (beyond the 15m line), the backs can charge.
- The "Receiver": Each team can have one player (usually the halfback) waiting near the lineout; they must stay 2m away from the lineout.
- Hooker/Thrower: Must stay within 5m of the touchline until the ball is thrown.
10-Metre Line: Usually marked by the referee's assistant or the referee's own positioning.
Long Throw: If the ball is thrown over the heads of the forwards (beyond the 15m line), the backs can charge.
The "Receiver": Each team can have one player (usually the halfback) waiting near the lineout; they must stay 2m away from the lineout.
Hooker/Thrower: Must stay within 5m of the touchline until the ball is thrown.
| Player Group | Offside Line | Ends When… |
| Backs | 10m from centre | Ball is touched, caught, or thrown long. |
| Forwards | The “Corridor” | Ball is thrown in. |
| Halfback | 2m from lineout | Ball is caught or tapped. |
Being Put Onside: The Reset Mechanics
An offside player isn't "out" forever. There are several ways to be put back onside. The most common is the player's own action: running back behind the teammate who last played the ball. In New Zealand's tactical kicking game, you will often see wingers "looking back" at their kicker; they are waiting for the kicker to run past them, which legally clears their offside status and allows them to join the chase.
Onside by Opponent Action
Surprisingly, an opponent can also put you onside. If you are standing in an offside position and the opponent who caught the ball runs 5 metres, kicks the ball, or passes the ball, you are instantly onside. However, the "10-metre law" still applies—you cannot have interfered with them while they were doing these things.
- Teammate Action: The kicker or another onside teammate runs past you.
- Retreating: You run back behind the person who kicked/played the ball.
- Opponent Run: Opponent carries the ball for 5 metres.
- Opponent Kick/Pass: Opponent intentionally kicks or passes the ball.
Teammate Action: The kicker or another onside teammate runs past you.
Retreating: You run back behind the person who kicked/played the ball.
Opponent Run: Opponent carries the ball for 5 metres.
Opponent Kick/Pass: Opponent intentionally kicks or passes the ball.
| Method | Actor | Requirement |
| The Chase | Teammate | Kicker runs past the offside player. |
| The Retreat | Offside Player | Player runs behind the original kicker. |
| The 5m Run | Opponent | Receiver carries ball 5m after catch. |
Accidental Offside vs. Intentional Infringement
Not all offside situations are equal. If an attacking player accidentally runs into a teammate who is in an offside position (a common occurrence in the "tight" channels of NZ rugby), the referee will call "accidental offside." This usually results in a scrum rather than a penalty, as no deliberate tactical advantage was sought. However, if the offside player intentionally blocks a defender or tries to catch a pass, it is a full penalty.
The "Truck and Trailer" Offence
In New Zealand, this is a common term for a specific type of offside during a maul. If the ball carrier unbinds from the back of the maul and stays behind their teammates who are still pushing, they are "offside" because their teammates are now "obstruction" players. This is penalized with a penalty kick.
- Scrum Restart: For accidental collisions where no advantage is gained.
- Penalty Restart: For tactical offside or interference.
- Obstruction: Using offside players as a "shield" for the ball carrier.
- Referee Discretion: Referees will often "play on" if the accidental offside has no impact on the game.
Scrum Restart: For accidental collisions where no advantage is gained.
Penalty Restart: For tactical offside or interference.
Obstruction: Using offside players as a "shield" for the ball carrier.
Referee Discretion: Referees will often "play on" if the accidental offside has no impact on the game.
| Offence Type | Typical Sanction | NZ Context Example |
| Accidental | Scrum | Running into a teammate’s back. |
| Tactical | Penalty Kick | Standing in the halfback’s passing lane. |
| Obstruction | Penalty Kick | Breaking off a maul with blockers in front. |
Referee Management of the Offside Line
Referees in New Zealand are taught to be "proactive" with offside. You will often hear them shouting "Hands away, Green!" or "Get back, Seven!". Their goal is to prevent the foul from happening so the game can continue. They use the Assistant Referees (touch judges) to monitor the backline offside lines at scrums and lineouts, as the primary referee is usually focused on the ball and the forwards.
Verbal Warnings and Materiality
The concept of "materiality" is huge in NZ refereeing. If a player is offside but is 30 metres away from the ball and has no chance of affecting the play, the referee will usually ignore it. However, if that same player is near the ball, the whistle will blow immediately.
- Assistant Referees: Flag for offside at set pieces if the backs "creep" forward.
- The "Pillar" Warning: Warning defenders next to the ruck to stay behind the foot.
- Shot Clock: In 2026, referees are being stricter on offside players who "loiter" around the breakdown.
- Repeat Infringements: If a team is consistently offside, the referee will issue a "team warning" or a yellow card.
Assistant Referees: Flag for offside at set pieces if the backs "creep" forward.
The "Pillar" Warning: Warning defenders next to the ruck to stay behind the foot.
Shot Clock: In 2026, referees are being stricter on offside players who "loiter" around the breakdown.
Repeat Infringements: If a team is consistently offside, the referee will issue a "team warning" or a yellow card.
| Ref Command | Meaning | Required Action |
| “Get back!” | You are in front of the line | Retreat behind the hindmost foot. |
| “Passive!” | You’re offside but not involved | Don’t move toward the ball. |
| “Onside!” | Your status is cleared | You are now free to join play. |
2026 Law Updates: The "Dupont Law" and Passive Offside
The 2026 season has introduced significant changes to how offside is handled, particularly concerning the "Dupont Law" (named after the French halfback). Previously, offside players could stand still and wait for the opponent to run 5 metres to be put onside. Now, players must actively show an attempt to retreat, or they remain offside. This prevents the "kick-tennis" stalemates where players stood in the middle of the field waiting for a catch.
Stricter "Lazy Running" Enforcement
NZ domestic rugby has also seen a crackdown on "lazy runners"—forwards who slowly walk back through the middle of the pitch while the backs are trying to pass. If these players interfere with the passing lane, they are now penalized more frequently to ensure the attacking side has a clear "corridor" to play in.
- Active Retreat: Standing still is no longer enough to wait for an "onside" reset.
- Passing Lanes: Forwards must stay clear of the area between the halfback and the fly-half.
- Yellow Card Escalation: Consistent "creeping" at the ruck is now more likely to result in a 10-minute "sin bin."
- 50/22 Context: Offside rules are strictly applied to defenders trying to stop a 50/22 kick from an offside position.
Active Retreat: Standing still is no longer enough to wait for an "onside" reset.
Passing Lanes: Forwards must stay clear of the area between the halfback and the fly-half.
Yellow Card Escalation: Consistent "creeping" at the ruck is now more likely to result in a 10-minute "sin bin."
50/22 Context: Offside rules are strictly applied to defenders trying to stop a 50/22 kick from an offside position.
| 2026 Change | New Requirement | Impact on NZ Play |
| Active Retreat | Must run backwards | Speeds up the kick-chase phase. |
| Lazy Runners | Must avoid the “corridor” | Faster ball delivery for backlines. |
| Obstruction | Zero tolerance | Fewer “messy” breakdowns. |
Final Thoughts on Offside Mastery
The offside rules in rugby union are the invisible boundaries that give the game its structure. For a New Zealand player, understanding these lines is the difference between being a defensive asset or a penalty liability. Whether it is respecting the 10-metre law during a high ball or holding the line at a 5-metre scrum, discipline is paramount. As the laws continue to evolve in 2026 to favor a faster, more expansive game, the requirement for players to remain "onside" remains the bedrock of fair contestability in Aotearoa’s favorite sport.
FAQ (Mātai Pātai)
What is the offside rule in rugby?
A player is offside if they are in front of a teammate who is carrying the ball or who last played it.
What is the 10-metre law in rugby?
During a kick, any offside player within 10 metres of the opponent catching the ball must retreat and cannot interfere with play.
How do I get back onside?
You can be put onside by running behind the teammate who kicked/played the ball, or by an onside teammate running past you.
What is the offside line at a ruck?
The offside line is an imaginary line through the hindmost foot of the last player in the ruck.
Can I be offside at a scrum?
Yes, backline players must stay 5 metres behind the hindmost foot of the scrum until the ball is out.
What is "accidental offside"?
When a player accidentally knocks into a teammate who is in an offside position; usually results in a scrum.
What is a "lazy runner"?
A player who stays in an offside position and slowly walks back, potentially interfering with the opposition's pass.
Is the offside rule different at a lineout?
Yes, players not in the lineout must stay 10 metres back from the line of touch until the lineout ends.
What happens if I tackle someone while offside?
The referee will award a penalty kick to the opposition.
What is the "Dupont Law" change in 2026?
Players must now actively retreat to be put onside; they can no longer just stand still and wait for the opponent to run 5 metres.
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