What is a knock on in rugby?

A knock on in rugby is an infringement where a player loses possession of the ball by accidentally knocking it forward with their hands or arms. This results in a stoppage of play and a scrum being awarded to the opposing team at the spot where the knock on occurred.

Knock ons can happen during passing, catching, or carrying the ball, and are considered a basic error in the sport. Players are expected to control the ball and not deliberately knock it forward, as this is seen as unfair play.

In most cases, the team that did not commit the knock on will be awarded possession at the resulting scrum. However, there are some exceptions, such as if the ball goes directly into touch or if the situation warrants a penalty for the offending team.

Overall, knock ons are a common part of the game and can result in turnovers of possession, affecting the flow and momentum of the match. Players are encouraged to have good ball handling skills to avoid committing knock ons and maintain possession for their team.