Why only pass backward in rugby?

Answer 1

If you pass forward, it will be a forward pass.

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The "back pass" rule in both codes is one of the few, close to original rules that comes from the day of Webb Ellis "running with the ball". The rules of his time only allowed a player to retreat backwards carrying the ball or kick forwards. The pass in line or behind the ball carrier was placed in the rule book so that the ethos of the ball to the rear was still kept and it was then made an offence to throw/pass the ball forward of the original carrier, however, the carrier can kick the ball forward.

Answer 2

A forward pass will earn you ;

(a) Unintentional knock-on or throw forward. A scrum is awarded at the place of

infringement.

(b) Unintentional knock-on or throw forward at a lineout. A scrum is awarded 15 metres from the touchline.

(c) Knock-on or throw forward into the in-goal. If an attacking player knocks-on or throwsforward in the field of play and the ball goes into the opponents' in-goal and it is made dead there, a scrum is awarded where the knock-on or throw forward happened.

(d) Knock-on or throw forward inside the in-goal. If a player of either team knocks-on or throws-forward inside the in-goal, a 5-metre scrum is awarded in line with the place of infringement not closer than 5 metres from the touchline.

(e) Intentional knock or throw forward. A player must not intentionally knock the ball forward with hand or arm, nor throw forward.

Sanction: Penalty kick. A penalty try must be awarded if the offence prevents a try that would probably otherwise have been scored

Answer 3

A forward pass to your team-mate in Rugby is illegal. A scrum will be awarded to the opposite team if this occurs.

However, a ball kicked ahead for team mate to catch is allowed as long as the kicker is in front of the player who intents to catch the ball. If not its an offside offense and a penalty is issued

Answer 4

When the concept of rugby first started in 1823. The game was actually football and the game was more of a murder ball style of game with player kicking the ball toward the opposing goal. In the game the ball could be picked up however the ball carrier was supposed to run BACKWARD toward their own players and then pass the ball to a team mate to start the attack again. Web Ellis who is reputed as to have started rugby as we know it decided that when he caught the ball he'd run forward attacking the goal. This took off and the ball carriers then started passing the ball behind as we see today. This rule stuck until 1862 when the football association was formed and the carrying of the ball was outlawed being classed as a offence of "handball" as it is in soccer today. The people that liked the ball carrying game broke way forming the RFU (Rugby Football Union) The rule of passing in line with and behind the ball carrier was retained and written into the rules of the game

Answer 5

The ball carrier must pass in line with their body to the receiving player or to their rear for the pass to be classed as legal