Hey baby, want to Ruck? Everything you need to know about rucking in Rugby By Cade Critchlow

The Basics Rucking is an essential part of the sport rugby where, when a person gets tackled, other players will use their bodies to create a ‘bridge’ or a ‘shell’ to preserve and protect the ball from the opposing team. This is a big part of the sport because this it is a big way that possession is lost and won. It’s won by skill, support, strength and teamwork by the team that exercises all of these the quickest.

How it’s done  A person gets tackled. Boom!  Falling to the ground, he must let go of the ball.  The defender must roll off the tackle.  Now, the ball is in the open….  What happens next…..

Get into Lines!  Now, you can either link or go in solo  Linking, meaning joining with another teammate.  But either way, you’ll probably need more teammates.  If on offense, bridge your body over your teammate on the ground.  Use your feet to hook the ball back to your side.

Defense, Win that Ball!  The defenders are usually at a disadvantage  The tackled use their body to project the ball.  So, they must ruck-over them.  Or step-over to pick it up. *You cannot use hands in the ruck*….. Legally

Conclusion  To win games, you must win rucks!  Rucks win possesion.  To win rucks, you need teamwork!  Good luck!