During Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, fans may have noticed attacking teams celebrating when one of their kicks from open play bounces or rolls into touch inside the opposition 22.

Why is that?

Put simply, it is because they have just completed a 50:22 kick and will therefore get an attacking platform deep inside opposition territory. Read on to find out more about the law that was first trialled four years ago.

What is a 50:22 kick?

Introduced as part of World Rugby’s law trials in 2021, a 50:22 is essentially a kick taken in open play from inside the attacking team’s half that bounces inside the opposition 22 and then into touch.

The team that has launched the kick is rewarded with the throw into the resulting lineout.

It has become a key component of an attacking team’s arsenal and fans will have seen it utilised during the Women’s Rugby World Cup.

Why was the 50:22 kick introduced?

The idea behind the law is all about creating space for teams to attack.

Defensive teams need to be mindful of the tactic and its impact, and are therefore more likely to keep more players in the backfield. The theory being that this will open up gaps further up the pitch for the attacking team to exploit.

In the women’s game, teams with a potent kicking game - such as England and Ireland - will look to make use of the law when in possession near halfway.

Who is most likely to attempt a 50:22 kick at Women’s RWC 2025?

England have several players capable of launching an effective 50:22, including Zoe Harrison (pictured above), Helena Rowland and Ellie Kildunne (pictured below).

Ireland are probably the team that possesses the biggest 50:22 threat, however. Dannah O’Brien and Stacey Flood can both launch the ball huge distances.