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Rugby rucking
A ruck in Rugby is one of the most fundamental things in the sport that should be mastered.
What is a Ruck in Rugby?
A ruck happens when the offensive player carrying the ball is tackled to the ground. This player must release the ball immediately or face penalty. When they are releasing the ball the defensive team can attempt to pull the ball away and gain possession. At this time the offensive team must protect the tackled player and more importantly the ball.
How to Join a Ruck
Each player joining the ruck after it is formed needs to come "through the gate". This is simply a box of how wide the the original tackled and tackler players originally landed. The first player there needs to make sure to stay on their feet to either take the ball away, or protect it. Protecting players will need to push away defensive players to protect the ball, while opposing players will need to clear offensive players to gain access to the ball.
Offensive Play in a Ruck
Offensive players need to follow their teammate with the ball and protect them immediately upon going to the ground. This can be done by stepping just in front of the player, and grabbing onto their jersey, or the ground on the other side. This will ensure that they are lower to the ground and harder to pull off. Players can also bind (grabbing onto jerseys, arms, etc) to one another making their defense more secure. The player on the ground will extend the ball to their teammates, and one player will pick up the ball, either passing or kicking it back into play.
Defensive Play in a Ruck
Once an offensive player is tackled the defense can fight for control of the ball. If there are no offensive players fighting to protect the tackled player, the defensive player can take the ball from the tackled player. This is done by standing up, and briefly releasing control of the tackled player. Once the release happens they can reach for the ball and rip it out. If the tackled player does not release the ball at this point, then there is a penalty called on the offensive team.
Oftentimes the offensive players are there immediately after the ball carrier is tackled and a ruck occurs. Defensive players have the opportunity to either push, pull, or twist the offensive players off the ruck. Staying low, with a sturdy base, is key to remaining balanced and getting opposing players unbalanced. Once the offensive players have been removed from the ruck, the defensive side can take the pall and either kick or pass it into play.