Intentional Knock-on Meaning in Rugby Union

An intentional knock-on occurs when a player deliberately bats the ball forward with their hand to stop a pass. In rugby, accidentally dropping the ball forward is a minor mistake, but doing it on purpose is a serious foul. This usually happens when a defender realizes they cannot catch the ball and tries to prevent the opponent from receiving it. Referees punish this move strictly because it cynically kills an attacking opportunity for the other team. The offender is often given a yellow card and sent to the sin bin for ten minutes. It is considered unsportsmanlike and harmful to the flow of the game. For example, a defender might stick out a hand to slap down a pass that would have led to a certain try. The referee will award a penalty and show the defender a yellow card for the intentional knock-on. It is a high-penalty mistake.