Ever seen a rugby match and wondered why, out of nowhere, two burly teammates hoist another player straight into the sky like a scene from a circus? It looks wild, maybe even a bit unsafe, but there's a sharp method behind the madness. Lifting players is a crucial part of how top teams steal possession, outfox opponents, and keep the game flowing. We’re about to pull back the curtain on this unusual move, break down every detail, and show you why clever lifting can mean the difference between winning and losing.
The Lineout: Rugby’s Aerial Chessboard
When the ball goes out of bounds in rugby, you don’t just toss it back in like you’re playing backyard football. Rugby invented its own aerial ballet for this situation—the lineout. Two lines of players stand parallel, waiting for the ball to be thrown in between them, but here’s the twist: as the ball sails through the air, teams are allowed to lift a teammate so he can catch the ball above everyone else. This move happens in a flash, but everything is regulated by strict rules to make sure it’s fair and safe. The main objective? To secure possession or steal the ball right out of your opponent’s grasp.
Lineouts can involve anywhere from two players on each side to the full eight forwards. The throw needs to be perfectly straight, both teams have to keep their distance, and everyone must time their movement with split-second precision. You’ll notice the player getting lifted—usually called the jumper—wears shirts well-fitted around the thighs, so his teammates get a solid grip for lifting. Think less about brute strength, more about synchronization. The best teams make it look effortless, but it’s the product of countless hours of practice.
Rugby’s laws specifically spell out how lifting is allowed. The international rugby body, World Rugby, made it fully legal back in 1999, after years where lifting was quietly tolerated or outright banned for safety. Since it’s become official, lifting has revolutionized the way teams approach lineouts. The most successful ones keep opponents guessing—jump to the front, the middle, or the back. Misdirection is the name of the game.
How Rugby Players Actually Lift Each Other
Here’s the magic: when the hooker prepares to throw the ball in, the lifters—usually two strong forwards—grab the jumper by the shorts and thighs. It’s nothing like an Olympic weightlifting clean and jerk; instead, it’s all about quick, controlled bursts of power. The safer and smoother the lift, the longer the jumper can stay airborne, scanning for the ball and making the catch under huge pressure. The lifters hold him steady and then, as he grabs the ball, lower him safely back to earth.
The action is packed into less than two seconds, but every part is rehearsed to death. If you watch closely, you’ll often spot the signal before a lineout—maybe a tap on the thigh or a quick look. That’s how the lifters and their jumper make sure they’re on the same page. And yes, the jumper always trusts his teammates. At top-level rugby, nothing is left to chance, so there’s plenty of focus on getting the grip, foot positioning, and timing right every single time. One small miscue and you risk being out-jumped, losing the ball, or worse—a dangerous fall.
Every team has its tricks. England’s lineout experts practice drills with names like "pods" (the lifter-jumper groups), always aiming for pinpoint accuracy. New Zealand’s legendary All Blacks even design their lineout plays to look like something’s about to happen at the front, only to snatch it out the back. Some teams focus on speed, getting the jumper airborne before opponents can react, while others use power, aiming to dominate in height and reach. The modern lineout is part science, part art, and a little bit of magic all wrapped into one.
The Science and Safety Behind the Moves
No, you don’t need to be a bodybuilder to lift a teammate off their feet, but strength, mobility, and timing matter. Lifters have to generate maximum upward power using their legs and hips, not just their arms. Most rugby forwards spend hours in the gym on squats, deadlifts, and explosive jumps—that’s where they build the strength to launch a teammate skyward. But lifting isn’t just about how much you can bench. To keep things safe, there’s a technique to everything.
World Rugby safety rules are strict: lifters can only touch their teammate’s shorts and upper thighs (not ankles or knees), and they can’t throw or twist the jumper in mid-air. If you breach these, referees whistle for penalties or even yellows cards. Big matches get medical staff to watch every lineout, since a misjudged lift or opponent’s knock can cause injuries. They track things like hand positioning, balance, and even communication to reduce the risk. There’s a fair bit of trust: the jumper literally gives his body over to his mates, who have to return him to the turf without a hiccup.
You might be surprised, but injuries from lifting aren’t all that common when done right. Most incidents come when either the lifters or jumper lose focus or when conditions are wet and slippery. Top teams use sticky sprays and grippy shorts to help, and they’ll adjust their grip points for different weather. Teams also practice falling safely, just in case. One harmless but real tip: players avoid wearing lotions on their legs before matches—it messes with grip and leads to comedy, not success.
Tactics, Codes, and Creative Plays
The lineout isn’t just about brute force or highest jump. Coaches draw up playbooks filled with codes, secret signals, and deceptive tactics. A simple waggle of the finger might mean the ball goes to the front. A pre-arranged call could send the jumper down the line or have a player fake a jump, distracting everyone while a teammate snags the ball elsewhere. Australian teams are especially known for their elaborate lineout choreography—sometimes swapping roles, so the supposed lifter becomes the surprise jumper instead.
France’s national team once used a play named after a famous chef—all the jumpers knew which zone to target based on a menu item shouted right before the throw. It worked because it kept their opponents on edge and forced them to react quickly. With World Rugby’s evolving guidelines, teams get more creative every year, trying to nab precious possession or launch an unstoppable attack off a stolen throw. The lineout sets up some of rugby’s biggest moments: tries off the back of rolling mauls, quick throws to speedy backs, and game-changing turnovers that crowd go wild for.
Data analysts track lineout stats as closely as goal scorers. How many lineouts did we win cleanly? Where do we lose the jump? Which players are targeted for lifting, and which combos work best? Coaches review drone footage to analyze spacing, grip technique, and reaction times, all to tweak tiny details that end up making a giant difference on matchdays. Even in grassroots rugby, these tactics trickle down—coaches teach beginners the same codes and calls used by the pros, just a lot simpler at first.
Tips for Undoing the Mystery: What Every Fan Should Watch For
Next time you catch a match, don’t just follow the ball—watch the lineout. Start by spotting the signals between the lifter and the jumper. Does the jumper tap his shorts or waggle his fingers? See which lifter locks into position first, and who’s got hands ready to grab. Check if the throw is speedy or arcing. And if the weather’s rough, notice how the teams adjust: slow, careful lifts instead of explosive jumps, or even simpler short lineouts to avoid disaster.
If you’re new to rugby, here are a few easy giveaways:
- The jumper is almost always a tall, athletic forward (number 4, 5, 6, or sometimes 8).
- Lifters stand right next to the jumper, crouched and ready to act the second the call comes.
- The best teams disguise their intentions, pretending to attack one spot only to target another.
- If both teams time it perfectly, you’ll see a well-timed aerial contest—almost like basketball tip-offs but with more muscle.
Don’t underestimate how lineouts can swing momentum. A successful lineout can spark a game-winning try or strip points from the other team. Some days, the edge goes to the team with slicker lineout moves, sneakier signals, and lifters whose trust is off the charts. If you get out to a live match and find a spot near the touchline, you’ll be way closer to the action than watching on TV—hearing the grunts, seeing the intensity, and maybe catching the secret codes, if your ear is sharp enough.
And for any weekend warriors: if you play rugby or want to try, lineout practice is its own beast. Focus on proper form—deep squats for your legs, gripping those shorts with a powerful squeeze, and supporting your jumper at all times. Never rush, keep your eyes on the ball, and communicate loudly. There’s nothing quite like the encouragement you get from your lifters, knowing they’ll get you up there (and back down) safe almost every time. Watch, learn, practice, and soon enough, lifting in rugby will make perfect sense—and maybe earn you some new respect at the park.