A lineout is a rugby restart after the ball or ball-carrier has gone into touch. The mark and the way the lineout forms determine where both teams line up.
From touch to the mark
The ball is in touch when it or the ball-carrier touches the touchline or ground beyond it. The mark of touch identifies the restart location; which team throws and where the mark lies depend on how the ball went out, so “the other team always throws” is not a safe shortcut. A quick throw is a separate restart with its own conditions.
Two lines, a gap and player numbers
In a formed lineout, each team makes one line parallel to the mark on its own side, between the 5-metre and 15-metre lines. At least two players from each team are required. The throwing team determines the maximum; unless the throw is taken immediately, the non-throwing team may have fewer players but not more. Each line is half a metre from the mark of touch, and the lineout is not formed within 5 metres of the try line.
The throw starts the contest
The thrower stands at the mark with feet on or behind the touchline. The law requires the ball to travel along the mark and reach the 5-metre line before touching the ground. A lineout commences when the ball leaves the thrower’s hands: a jump or lift before that release is not allowed. Check the current law text for its trial provisions and sanctions.
A practical check
- Track where the ball crossed into touch, then identify the mark.
- Check that both lines are on their own side, parallel to the mark and in the defined channel.
- The throwing team sets the maximum; each team needs at least two players.
- Jumping and lifting begin only after the ball is released.
- Do not treat a quick throw as a lineout; its eligibility rules are different.