Mario Botha asks...................

Hi Ref, Can players be in front of the kicker and not be offside in the in goal area? If so which law governs this? Thanks. Mario

Hi Mario

Off side in open play applies in the in-goal area, in the same way as it does in the field of play.  So if, for instance, the ball is passed back from a 5m scrum to a defender standing just inside the dead ball line, and that defender kicks ahead, then every defender in front of the kicker (including any in in-goal) is in an offside position and liable to penalty if they take part in the game, before being put back onside.

This is all covered by Law 11.

So Mario, the answer to your question is "no".

Thanks for the question.
The Rugby Ref.