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Rugby rucking

Rugby rucking explained here will help you know and understand how you can confidently join a ruck and know what to do when you are in there and pushing.

The ruck is where rucking takes place

A ruck forms as a result of a break down
in the normal flow of the game.
You will benefit when you know when a ruck has formed
because you will play confidently
and you will give away no penalties.

Quick recap of main points

at least one player from each team, in physical contact
players must be on their feet and in physical contact
players must be close to the ball
ball must be on the ground

The Laws of the Game define the ruck
and my simplified details are here at rugby ruck basics.

Joining a ruck

If you are not one of the players
present when the ruck forms,
when you join the ruck you must enter "through the gate".
This process is explained on the page rugby support play.

As part of entering the ruck correctly
ensure the level of your shoulders
is above or equal to the level of your hips.
It's a penalty offence if you don't.
You improve safety in the ruck and
it will help you stay on your feet.
Having arrived at the ruck area correctly
you must bind onto the hindmost player.

Actions of rucking

The objective of rucking
is to win possession of the ball.
Rucking will normally be done by the forwards
but any player can take part.

Much pushing and shoving occurs
in rugby rucking
as you try to control the ball on the ground.

Good posture is needed initially.
Crouching, well ballanced,
feet shoulder width apart
and half a pace apart,
ready to move or resist buffetting is a good start
Have your chin up to shorten and protect your neck.

Bind to other players in the ruck
with the full length of at least one arm.
Aim to stay on your feet,
as you try to drive the opposition backwards
and off the ball.
Make contact with opponents
with the front of your shoulder,
use the power in your legs
as you drive them off
and attempt to step over the ball to gain control.
You may also pull the ball back into your area of the ruck
with your boot
but you must avoid foul play.

Hopefully, the ball is well controlled
and moves towards the back of your side of the ruck
so a player at the rear of the ruck can safely remove it.

According to the Laws, a ruck ends successfully
"when the ball leaves the ruck".
It would seem it has to pop out by itself.
This is a GREY AREA in games.

The Laws state that handling the ball
in the ruck is not permitted
and yet a player at the back
is usually allowed to reach behind the last feet,
pick up the ball and remove it.

It's a good idea to ask the match official
before the game starts
how this Law will be interpreted!

All players in the ruck must remain bound,
with a full arm bind, until the ruck is over.
If you detach from the ruck
before it is over
you must retreat behind your offside line.

You must avoid standing on or trampling opposition players.

Return from Rugby rucking to How to play rugby

Evtechs Sports Training
Sydney, Australia