A maul begins when a player carrying the ball is held by 1 or more opponents, and 1 or more of the ball carrier’s team mates bind on the ball carrier.
A maul therefore consists, when it begins, of at least three players, all on their feet.

JOINING A MAUL

Players joining a maul must have their heads and shoulders no lower than their hips.

A player must be caught in or bound to the maul and not just alongside it.

Placing a hand on another player in the maul does not constitute binding.

Keeping players on their feet. Players in a maul must endeavour to stay on their feet. The ball carrier in a maul may go to ground providing the ball is available immediately and play continues.

A player must not intentionally collapse a maul. This is dangerous play.

A player must not jump on top of a maul.

SUCCESSFUL END TO A MAUL

A maul ends successfully when the ball or a player with the ball leaves the maul. A maul ends successfully when the ball is on the ground, or is on or over the goal line.

UNSUCCESSFUL END TO A MAUL

A maul ends unsuccessfully if it remains stationary or has stopped moving forward for longer than 5 seconds and a scrum is ordered.

A maul ends unsuccessfully if the ball becomes unplayable or collapses (not as a result of foul play) and a scrum is ordered.