Knock forward and forward pass
World Rugby · 2026When a forward handling error stops play, and when play continues.
Accidental and deliberate errors
A knock forward involves the ball going forward from a player’s hand or arm and touching the ground or another player before that player catches it. An accidental knock forward or forward pass normally gives the opposition a scrum. A deliberate knock forward or forward pass instead results in a penalty. If a knock forward goes into touch, the opponents may choose a quick throw or lineout instead of the scrum.
When play continues
An attempted catch is not a deliberate knock forward if there was a reasonable prospect of gaining possession. Blocking the ball immediately after an opponent kicks it is a charge down and is not penalised as a knock forward. Nor is it a knock forward when a player strips the ball and it travels forward from the opponent’s hand or arm.
Sources & approach ↗