The
Layman’s Guide to the Laws of the Game
A
Ruck
is a phase of play when the ball is on the ground (usually immediately after a
tackle) and one or more players from each team are in contact closing over the
ball between them. So the minimum number
to form a Ruck is 1+1=2. “Rucking
“ is the act of using the feet to win or retain ball without committing foul
play. It’s a fluid phase of play. The Ruck itself isn’t defined
geographically in Law 16 but referees are told to consider it 1.5 metres
each side of the ball and 1 metre beyond it. Outside of that area any
destructive contact is illegal (usually called “scatter rucking “to take out
defenders about to contest for possession) and should be penalised as
obstruction.
To
join a Ruck a player must have head & shoulders above hips : bind full arm
on one of his team ; and join from behind the back foot on his side. He must
then stay bound or retire behind back feet ; and must not handle the ball ,
return it back in once out , take any action to collapse it , or wilfully fall
or kneel within it. A penalty kick awarded in each case.
Players NOT in the Ruck must stay behind their sides back feet at all
times.
A
Ruck ends when the ball is clear of the back foot. If the ball gets trapped and
becomes unplayable a scrum is
awarded to the team going forward immediately
prior to the stoppage. If
neither side going forward it’s given to the attacking team. You can’t have
a Ruck in-goal : once the ball reaches the goal line the Ruck is over and anyone
can dive on the ball.
