In rugby union, a player is offside in open play if they are in front of a teammate who has the ball or who last played it. At set pieces and breakdowns, offside lines are defined differently, and players must stay behind them until the ball is out.
Offside lines
| Phase | Offside line |
|---|---|
| Open play | The ball, or the teammate who last played it |
| Ruck and maul | The hindmost foot of your team in the ruck or maul |
| Scrum | Backs 5 m behind the hindmost foot of their scrum; scrum-halves have specific positions |
| Lineout | Players not in the lineout stay 10 m back until it ends |
| Kicks | Players in front of the kicker must not approach within 10 m of the catcher until put onside |
Consequence
Being offside and interfering with play usually results in a penalty kick to the other team.
Laws referenced follow World Rugby’s Laws of the Game for rugby union; rugby league, sevens and domestic competitions can differ, so check the current laws for your competition.
Frequently asked questions
What is the offside line at a ruck?
The hindmost foot of your team’s players in the ruck.
Can I be put back onside?
Yes, for example by the kicker or a teammate running past you.
Is offside the same in rugby league?
No, league has different rules.
