When the ball goes into touch (out of play), play restarts with a line-out. Both teams’ forwards stand in parallel lines perpendicular to the touchline. The throwing team’s hooker throws the ball down the middle, and players can be lifted by teammates to compete for it at height. Line-outs require coded calls — teams signal who will catch the ball using coded language. Winning line-out ball is as important as scrum dominance. Line-outs do not exist in rugby league.
Key points
- Restart after ball goes into touch
- Forwards lifted to contest at height
- Coded calls signal the target receiver
- Unique to union — no equivalent in league
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