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Fri 21 Sep 2018 | 02:19
Friday Funnies - Nick Haining defends his surprising line speed

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Bristol Bears forward Nick Haining provided one of the most amusing moments of last weekend when he shot out the line against Gloucester, resulting in a spilt ball and a turnover for his side. He appeared to be miles offside, but the referee felt otherwise, much to the surprise of everyone in the stadium.

The commentators immediately packed out laughing when Haining made the tackle as he appeared to be so far offside.

"He think's he's playing for Gloucester!" said David Flatman.

The joke was on them though, as the referee allowed him to get away with it, instead ruling it was Bristol ball due to the knock on.

Haining's follow up comment was a classic, as he reassured the referee that he made the correct call.

Bristol Bears host Harlequins at Ashton gate on Saturday in round four of the Gallagher Premiership.

credit: premiershiprugby

Posted By: Grant Constable

2 Comments

  • flanker2712
    5:49 PM 21/09/2018

    Genuine question (and pardon the ignorance): where is the offside line once all your teammates have been completely cleared out? I think in practice it ends up being the foremost bodypart of any opponent that is still in the leftovers of the ruck, but is there a rule?

    • pickay
      1:39 PM 26/09/2018

      Hmm yeah I think so, sure, probably, maybe... At least that's what I would stick to myself while playing, as that should be safe. The law actually says "each team has an offside line that runs parallel to the goal line through the ruck participants’ hindmost foot." Which makes sense as a "a ruck is formed when at least one player from each team are in contact,
      on their feet and over the ball which is on the ground". So it's assumed you will have players from both teams in. And the ruck ends "when the ball has been clearly won by a team at the ruck, and is available to be played, the referee calls “use it”, after which the ball must be played away from the ruck within five seconds".  Which would be the case if everybody is cleared out. But as far as I can see, the laws don't fully cover your scenario..?! So my advice would be: Just stay behind the pile of bodies and you'll be fine... ;-)

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