IRB rule again - on in-goal

In response to a request from the Welsh Rugby Union, the International Rugby Board, the body whose main concern is the laws of the game, has ruled on a matter relating to the ingoal.

Rulings, which are not law but have at lkeast temporarily the force of law, are made by an IRB committee known as the designated memebers.

This is the third ruling this year and is dated 19 March.

Request from the WRU

The WRU request a Ruling related to Law 22

Doubt about grounding Law 22.15

Scenario: Team A kick the ball into their opponents in goal. Both a player from Team A and Team B dive for the ball. The referee refers to the TMO for decision of try or no try and also if any foul play has occurred. On viewing the evidence the TMO advises no foul play has occurred and that it is inconclusive as to who last plays the ball as the ball is in the air when both players go for it. The ball then goes dead.

Question from above: Does Law 22.15 apply scrum 5 attacking ball although no grounding has taken place?

Or
Is it 22m drop out as Team A were the last team to conclusively play the ball ?

Or
Are there any other options open to the referee?

Ruling of the Designated Members of the Rugby Committee

The Designated Members have ruled that

• If the ball is kicked into in-goal by a player from the attacking team and the ball is made dead by the players touching the ball down but the match officials cannot determine which player touched the ball down Law 22.15 applies and the referee awards a five metre scrum with the attacking team throws in the ball.

• If the ball is kicked into in-goal by a player from the attacking team and the ball is made dead by the players touching the ball and the ball travels and lands on or over the dead ball line or touch-in-goal line the referee awards a drop out.