Kick-offs and restarts
World Rugby · 2026Drop kicks to start play and the distinction between try-line and 22-metre drop-outs.
Starting and restarting after a score
Kick-offs and restarts after scores are drop kicks from on or behind halfway. The conceding team restarts after a score. Team-mates stay behind the ball; opponents stay on or behind the 10-metre line. The ball must reach that line unless an opponent plays it first. Common incorrect kicks give the opponents a choice of retake or scrum; a kick directly into touch adds lineout or quick-throw options.
Different drop-outs
A failed penalty or dropped-goal attempt made dead in in-goal normally leads to a 22-metre drop-out. An attacking ball held up or legally made dead by a defender in in-goal generally leads to a try-line drop-out, with listed exceptions for particular kicks. The former must cross the 22-metre line; the latter the 5-metre line. Opponents must respect the relevant line until the kick.
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