Choose the decision

Select one answer per scenario, then read the explanation. Assume all unstated actions are legal; judge only the described incident.

This quiz uses World Rugby’s named 2026 Laws of the Game for standard adult 15-a-side rugby. It is an edition-specific learning exercise, not a claim that every competition currently applies identical rules. Youth rugby, sevens, tens, domestic variations and competition trials need separate checks. The selected provisions were checked against the official 2026 lawbook; linked online chapters provide supporting explanations, but their wording can subsequently change.

Review your decisions

For each missed answer, identify the deciding detail before trying again. Review ruck entry and jackal rules, kick-offs and restarts, or penalties and free-kicks. For classroom activities, use the separate lesson and printable worksheet.

Official rules consulted

Make the call

Choose a ruling for each situation, then check your answers.

1. Red’s tackled carrier holds the ball while waiting for support. Blue has released the carrier and legally contests possession. With no advantage available, what is the decision?
Answer and explanation

Penalty to Blue

Law 14.7a requires immediate availability. Waiting for support does not excuse holding on; Blue receives a penalty.

Rule basis: World Rugby · Laws of the Game Rugby Union 2026 · Standard adult 15-a-side lawbook scenarios. Selected tackle provisions checked against the named 2026 PDF. Excludes age-grade, domestic and competition-specific variations.

2. Before a ruck forms, an arriving Blue player approaches legally but kneels on the ground and picks up the ball at the tackle. No advantage follows. What is awarded?
Answer and explanation

Penalty to Red

Law 14.8b requires arriving players to stay on their feet when playing the ball. Correct approach alone is insufficient; the sanction is a penalty, not a free-kick.

Rule basis: World Rugby · Laws of the Game Rugby Union 2026 · Standard adult 15-a-side lawbook scenarios. Selected tackle provisions checked against the named 2026 PDF. Excludes age-grade, domestic and competition-specific variations.

3. Blue legally gets hands on the ball before a ruck forms and remains on their feet throughout. Does the ruck forming alone require Blue to release it?
Answer and explanation

No, this handling exception applies

Law 15.11 permits this continuing contest. The general handling prohibition does not remove legally established hands while the player stays upright.

Rule basis: World Rugby · Laws of the Game Rugby Union 2026 · Standard adult 15-a-side lawbook scenarios. Selected ruck provisions checked against the named 2026 PDF. Excludes competition-specific trials and variations.

4. The ball remains inside a ruck. Red deliberately makes a dummy movement to convince defenders that it has left. No other offence occurs. What sanction applies?
Answer and explanation

Free-kick to Blue

Law 15.16g makes this deception a free-kick offence. A penalty is not the prescribed sanction for this act alone.

Rule basis: World Rugby · Laws of the Game Rugby Union 2026 · Standard adult 15-a-side lawbook scenarios. Selected ruck provisions checked against the named 2026 PDF. Excludes competition-specific trials and variations.

5. A legal kick-off reaches the opponents’ 10-metre line, then wind blows it backwards. The ball remains in play and nobody infringes. What happens?
Answer and explanation

Play continues

Law 12.7 permits play to continue once the ball reaches the line. Its later movement backwards does not make the kick short.

Rule basis: World Rugby · Laws of the Game Rugby Union 2026 · Standard adult 15-a-side kick-offs and restarts after a score. Selected provisions checked against the named 2026 PDF. Sevens and tens restart variations are excluded.

6. A restart after a score goes directly into touch. Which complete set of options belongs to the receiving team?
Answer and explanation

Retake, scrum, lineout or quick-throw

Law 12.8 provides all four options. Restricting the choice to a retake or scrum incorrectly omits the touch options.

Rule basis: World Rugby · Laws of the Game Rugby Union 2026 · Standard adult 15-a-side kick-offs and restarts after a score. Selected provisions checked against the named 2026 PDF. Sevens and tens restart variations are excluded.

7. Red receives a penalty in midfield and immediately requests a scrum instead. Is that option available?
Answer and explanation

Yes, Red may choose a scrum

Law 20.3 allows a scrum instead of a penalty kick. Opponent agreement is unnecessary; do not confuse this with free-kick options.

Rule basis: World Rugby · Laws of the Game Rugby Union 2026 · Standard adult 15-a-side penalty decisions. Selected provisions checked against the named 2026 PDF. Excludes competition-specific variations.

8. Red taps a penalty so quickly that nearby Blue players have no opportunity to retreat. They keep withdrawing and do not interfere. Must they be penalised merely for initially being within 10 metres?
Answer and explanation

No, insufficient opportunity alone is not an offence

Law 20.14 protects opponents caught by the speed of the tap. It does not permit immediate participation; they must satisfy the retreat or teammate condition.

Rule basis: World Rugby · Laws of the Game Rugby Union 2026 · Standard adult 15-a-side penalty decisions. Selected provisions checked against the named 2026 PDF. Excludes competition-specific variations.

Rule editions and sources