Is the hooker the only player allowed to throw the ball in at the lineout?

Question

Is the hooker the only player allowed to throw the ball in at the lineout?

Answer 1

Any player can throw the line-out. In fact, I believe all 15 players can be aligned in the Line during a line-out. Of course it would be dumb to do so.

Answer 2

No. But since they are invariably the smallest forward on the pitch it makes sense for them to take the throw rather than try and win it against a 6ft 8in lock forward.

Answer 3

It doesn't have to be the hooker, but usually is.

Answer 4

No, it does not necessarily need to be the hooker, but it generally is. I am the hooker on my team and i do it every time there is a lineout..

Answer 5

No, anyone can throw it in. Can't remember when it changed, probably in the 60's but the wingers used to throw the ball into L/outs, but being backs they couldn't get anything right, so it was changed.

Answer 6

No. any player can throw a line-out.

When the opposition kicks it deep into touch even the wingers throw it in for a quick line-out.

Hookers throwing the ball is a tradition though, because the props lift the second row and all the backs are postioned for a set play.

It's about time someone asked a decent question