When guns are put to your head in maul? It must kick-off! (10)

I believe the answer is:

ultimatums

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'when guns are put to your head' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'maul? it must kick-off' is the wordplay.
'maul? it must' can be anagrammed to 'ULTIMATUMS'.
But, I'm not clear how the anagram is indicated.

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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