World Rugby clarified kicking the ball in a ruck and provided the following wording for clarification:

KICKING THE BALL IN A RUCK:

1. If a player is part of the ruck he may attempt to kick the ball:
(1) If he makes contact with a player on the ground which results in foul play, the sanction is a PK and possibly suspension/red card.
(2) If he kicks the ball out of the scrumhalf’s hands the sanction is a PK and possibly suspension/red card.

2. If a player is not part of the ruck and then steps over or comes around the side of the ruck and kicks the ball:
(1) PK and possibly suspension.
(2) If he makes contact with a player on the ground which results in foul play, the sanction is a PK and possibly suspension/red card.
(3) If he kicks the ball out of the scrumhalf’s hands the sanction is a PK and possibly suspension/red card.