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An alternative kick-off method
John GriffithsApril 25, 2014
Is it still possible to place kick a kick off? As in, kicking the kick-off from a tee like a penalty kick, instead of drop-kicking it? CH, France
No. All starts and restarts (after scores) must be taken by a drop-kick.
The kick-off is covered under Law 13 and states:
(a) A team kicks off with a drop kick which must be taken at or behind the centre of the half way line.
(b) If the ball is kicked off by the wrong type of kick, or from the incorrect place, the opposing team has two choices:
- To have the ball kicked off again, or
- To have a scrum at the centre of the half way line and they throw in the ball.
John Griffiths is a widely respected rugby historian and is the author of several sports books, a regular contributor to the Daily Telegraph and co-author of the IRB International Rugby Yearbook. He has provided insight for Scrum.com since 1999.
