Rugby / Law 17
Calling a mark
World Rugby · 2026In short
A clean catch in your own 22 can stop play and earn a free-kick.
Conditions for a mark
To claim a mark, catch an opponent’s kick directly before it touches the ground or another player, and call “mark” simultaneously. The ball must have reached the plane of your 22-metre line, and at least a foot must be on or behind that line when catching or landing. Contact with a post or crossbar before the catch does not prevent a mark.
Restart after the catch
A mark cannot be claimed from a kick-off or restart after a score. A valid mark earns a free-kick, taken by the catcher. If unable to take it within a minute, a team-mate may take it. The kick is in line with the mark, at least 5 metres from the try line; a mark in in-goal therefore moves to that line.
Independent explanations and translations, not official federation publications. Based on the supplied World Rugby Laws of the Game Rugby Union 2026. Under-19, sevens, tens and Game-on variations are explained separately. Elite-only exceptions are labelled; these are not Rugby League rules. References use physical PDF pages, 2 above printed page numbers.
Sources & approach ↗
Sources & approach ↗