A “line-out” in rugby union refers to a restart of play where the ball is thrown in between two lines of players from opposing teams. The line-out takes place when the ball goes out of bounds, and both teams use it as an opportunity to win back possession of the ball and continue attacking or defending. The players in the lineout will jump to try and catch the ball, which is usually thrown in by the hooker.

The minimum number of players to form a lineout is two from each team (i.e., 4 total minimum). Under new guideline and management rules by Rugby AU in 2023, a receiver at the line-out must be exactly 2 metres back away from the line-out when formed (they can’t set up further than 2 metres away). In U13s and above, it is optional for a team to have a receiver. It is mandatory for a team to have a player in opposition to the player throwing in the ball. This player must be positioned two metres away from the 5m line and two metres away from the line-of-touch. Receivers must not join until after the ball has left the thrower’s hands (FK), unless another lineout player simultaneously takes the receiver position (i.e., they switch) before the throw. In U16s and above, the front support player at the lineout may lift on the thighs, as in senior Law. In U13s-U15s, all support players may still only lift on the shorts.