Quins v L.Irish - mid air collision

[Stu10]

Thoughts on this?

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1586393868718977024

I think both players made a fair contest for the ball, and both were positioned to catch the ball; but we've often seen this end in a penalty and even a card.

Is there a framework or guidance for this scenario?

 

[didds]

Discussed ad nauseum sorely. Rugby incident. Play on.

The debating points could include eh

If it was a lineout, then the catcher had been played in the air.

If both tacklers were running not humoung, that's a martial High table /arm strike to the shoulder level).

Both ignored for challenges in the air.

 

[Phil E]

I think he got it right and if it had been earlier in the game no one would have questioned it.
Two players jumping for the ball, same height, both competing. Play on.

 

[tim White]

Look at their eyes, look at their hands; Both looking to catch the ball; Play on if possible.

 

[Ciaran Trainor]

For me both players jumping legally for the ball. Irish player wins and Harlequins player just tips him so could easily justify Penalty but penalty only.

 

[SimonSmith]

From the RA Game Management Guidelines:
Challenge in the air


• World Rugby has provided guidelines for situations where two players contest for a ball in the air and collide:

o Play on = Fair challenge with both players in a realistic position to catch the ball. Even if the player lands dangerously, play on

o PK = Not a fair challenge, wrong timing but no pulling down

o YC = Not a fair challenge, there is no contest, and the player is pulled down/interfered with landing on their back or side

o RC = Not a fair challenge, there is no contest, and the player is pulled down/interfered with landing on their head, neck or shoulder