How a Mark Works in Rugby Explainer
A rugby mark lets a player stop play after directly catching an opponent's kick inside the player's own 22-metre area or in-goal. To claim it, the catcher must have at least one foot on or behind the 22-metre line when catching or landing and must call “mark” at the same time.
The ball must reach the plane of the 22 directly from the opponent's kick before touching the ground or another player. A catch after the ball rebounds from a goal post or crossbar can still qualify. A bobble off another player cannot.
A mark cannot be claimed from a kick-off or a restart kick after a score. When the claim is correct, the referee immediately stops play and awards the catching team a free kick. The player who claimed the mark normally takes that kick.
The restart location depends on where the catch occurred and cannot be too close to the try line. The rule rewards a clean defensive catch under pressure and gives the receiving team a controlled exit, but only when the location, direct flight, and simultaneous call all satisfy Law 17.
Inside the player's own 22-metre area or in-goal.
Yes, simultaneously with the catch.
A free kick for the team in possession.
Explore more "Explainers"
Discover additional explainers across politics, science, business, technology, and other fields. Each explainer breaks down a complex idea into clear, everyday language—helping you better understand how major concepts, systems, and debates shape the world around us.