The IRFU’s High Performance Referees Rugby Laws Explained series continues with Joy Neville taking a look at Law 16 "The Maul"
A maul can take place only in the field of play. It consists of a ball-carrier and at least one player from each team, bound together and on their feet. Once formed, a maul must move towards a goal line.[jwplayer 9inPsBse] The sections and sanctions associated with Law 16 that are explored this week are: Law 16.17.d: A maul ends unsuccessfully when the ball carrier goes to ground and the ball is not immediately available OUTCOME: Scrum to opposition team Law 16.10: All players in a maul must be caught in or bound to it and not just alongside SANCTION: Penalty Law 16.11.a: Players must not intentionally collapse a maul or jump on top of it SANCTION: Penalty Law 16.18: Players must not intentionally collapse a maul or jump on top of it SANCTION: Penalty If a maul is formed immediately after a player has directly caught an opponent's kick in open play and ends due to a collapse, it becoming unplayable or the ball not being available OUTCOME: Scrum to team in possession [jwplayer kkBv8iV6]