Ruck
A ruck forms when at least one player from each team is in contact over the ball on the ground. Players must use their feet to move the ball, not their hands.
A ruck is formed when the ball is on the ground and at least one player from each team is standing over it in physical contact with each other. This most commonly happens after a tackle.
Key rules:
- The ball must be on the ground for a ruck to form
- At least one player from each team must be in contact (bound together)
- Players must be on their feet — if you go to ground in a ruck, you must release the ball/player immediately
- Players cannot use their hands to play the ball in a ruck — only feet are allowed
- Players must enter the ruck from behind the "hindmost foot" of the last teammate in the ruck (through the gate)
- Players not in the ruck must stay behind the hindmost foot of the last teammate in the ruck
- Players cannot come around the side of the ruck (the "flanks")
Ending a ruck: A ruck ends when:
- The ball comes out from the ruck
- The ball is on or over the goal line
- The ruck has been won — the ball can then be picked up by hand
Sanction: Penalty for any infringement.
Real-World Examples
Scenario
A ball carrier is tackled. Two supporting players from her team bind over the ball. One opposing player also binds. A ruck has formed.
Outcome
All non-ruck players from both teams must retreat behind their respective offside lines (the hindmost feet of the last player on their side). Players may not approach the ruck from the sides.
Scenario
In a ruck, a flanker uses his hand to pick up the ball from the ground while his teammates are still competing.
Outcome
Penalty against the flanker. Once a ruck has formed, players may not handle the ball — only feet can be used to move it until the ruck is won.
Scenario
A player tries to join a ruck by running around to the far side and entering from the opposition's direction.
Outcome
Penalty for entering the ruck not through the gate. Players must join from behind their own hindmost team-mate's feet, not from the side or opposition end.
Scenario
The ball is secured at the back of a ruck. The scrum-half reaches in with one hand to pick it up and pass.
Outcome
Legal. The ball has been won to one side of the ruck and may now be handled. The scrum-half (who was not in the ruck) can pick up and pass.