Know
and understand the 'ball on ground' situation when no tackle has taken
place.
Under
pressure,
mistakes might be made. Bending down to pick up the ball you may "knock on" or fumble the ball or even miss it completely.
If opponents are close, you may lose possession of the rugby ball.
To
overcome the problem, rugby
players
are encouraged to "fall on the ball" - go to ground and
envelope the ball and
gain control of it.
This rule covers this sort of
situation and where
the ball carrier
has simply slipped or fallen
and is on the the ground.
So,
if a player with the
ball
is on the ground without having been tackled
The
player must immediately
get up with the ball
OR
pass the ball (and
get up) OR
release the ball
(and move away from it/get up)
Other players must
do their best to stay on
their feet.