GUIDES · BETSLIP DOCTOR
When can a Rugby Union player claim a mark from an opponent’s kick?
A player can claim a mark by directly catching an opponent’s kick before it touches the ground or another player, after it has reached the plane of the player’s own 22, while having at least one foot on or behind that 22 at the catch or landing. The player must call “mark” simultaneously. Kick-offs and restarts after a score are excluded, though a penalty kick at goal or dropped kick at goal can qualify.
For Viewers hearing mark after a high catch near a team’s own 22 or in-goal. · Updated
Four facts must line up for a mark
The player needs at least one foot on or behind the team’s own 22-metre line when catching the ball, or when landing after catching it in the air. The ball must have reached the plane of that line directly from an opponent’s kick and be caught before touching the ground or another player. The player must call “mark” at the same time as the catch.
The line requirement uses the player’s position at the catch or landing; the ball requirement asks whether it reached the plane of the 22. Both matter. Catching a ball that has not yet reached the 22-plane does not satisfy the rule just because the catcher is standing behind the line.
A post can be involved, but not every restart qualifies
A player may still claim a mark if the ball hits a goal post or crossbar before being caught. A mark cannot be claimed from a kick-off or a restart kick after a score. The law does allow a mark from a penalty kick at goal or a dropped kick at goal, if the other requirements are met.
The mark stops play and gives the catcher’s team a free-kick
When the call is correct, the referee stops play and awards a free-kick. If the mark is within the 22, the free-kick is taken at the mark but at least five metres from the try line, in line with the mark. If the mark is in-goal, it is taken on the five-metre line in line with the mark.
Check the competition’s governing edition
This guide explains the current World Rugby 15-a-side digital text checked on 15 October 2026. The July 2026 notice does not confirm how a particular competition applies the law; check its regulations and any required Union implementation.
A fictional catch on the 22-metre line
A Blue player jumps from the field of play and directly catches an opponent’s penalty kick at goal in the air, calling “mark” simultaneously with the catch. The ball has reached the plane of Blue’s 22, and the player then lands with one foot on or behind Blue’s own 22-metre line. The stipulated facts satisfy the position, direct-catch, and call requirements; a free-kick is awarded to Blue, at the mark but at least five metres from the try line. In a separate phase, an identical catch from a kick-off cannot be called a mark. A direct catch from an opponent’s dropped kick at goal may qualify if the other requirements are present.
Related questions
Can the ball hit the goal post before the catch?
Yes. Law 17.2 expressly allows a mark after the ball hits a goal post or crossbar, provided the other requirements are met.
Can a player claim a mark from a kick-off?
No. Law 17.4 excludes a kick-off and a restart kick after a score. It does allow a qualifying penalty kick at goal or dropped kick at goal.
Where is the free-kick taken?
For a mark within the 22, at the mark but at least five metres from the try line and in line with it. For a mark in-goal, on the five-metre line in line with the mark.