An imaginary line running across the field through the ball at the moment of a tackle, ruck, or maul, used to judge whether the attacking team has moved play forward.
Cap
An appearance for a national team. A player's cap count is simply how many times they've played for their country.
Cauliflower ear
Permanent ear deformity caused by repeated impact and friction, common among forwards from years of scrums and rucks. Scrum caps help prevent it but don't fully stop it.
Dead ball
When the ball is out of play, either because it's gone out of bounds, a score has been made, or the referee has stopped play. Nothing that happens with a dead ball counts.
Garryowen
A high, hanging kick sent up to contest in the air, named after the Irish club that popularised it. Also called an up-and-under.
Hindmost foot
The back-most foot of a player in a ruck, maul, or scrum, used to judge whether an arriving player has joined from an onside position.
Hospital pass
A pass delivered so late or poorly that the receiving player has no time to react before being hit by an opponent. Not a law, just a painful reality of the game.
Loose forward
A collective term for the flankers and number 8, the forwards who play at the back of the scrum and are typically the most mobile of the pack around the field.
Sin bin
A temporary suspension, usually 10 minutes, for a yellow card offence. The player leaves the field and their team plays a player short until time is up.
Try line
The line marking the start of the in-goal area. Grounding the ball beyond it scores a try.