RUCK

A ruck, which can take place only in the field-of-play, is formed when the ball is on the ground and one or more players from each team are on their feet and in physical contact, closing around the ball between them.

If the ball in a ruck is on or over the goal line the ruck is ended.

(1)

A player joining a ruck must have his head and shoulders no lower than his hips. He must bind with at least one arm around the body of a player of his team in the ruck.

Penalty:- Free kick at the place of infringement.

Note:-

(i)

The placing of a hand on another player is not binding. Binding involves the whole arm, from hand to shoulder.

(2)

A player must not:-

(a)

return the ball into the ruck, or

Penalty:- Free kick at the place of infringement

(b)

handle the ball in the ruck except in the act of securing a try or touch-down, or

(c)

pick up the ball in the ruck by hand or legs, or

(d)

wilfully collapse the ruck, or

(e)

jump on top of other players in the ruck,

(f)

wilfully fall or kneel in the ruck, or

(g)

while lying on the ground interfere in any way with the ball in or emerging from the ruck. He must do his best to roll away from it.
 

(3)

When the ball in a ruck becomes unplayable a scrummage shall be ordered and the ball put in by the team moving forward immediately prior to the stoppage. When neither team was moving forward or when the referee is unable to determine which team was moving forward, the ball shall be put in by the team moving forward immediately before the formation of the ruck and if no team was moving forward by the attacking team.

Note:-

(ii)

Before whistling for a scrummage the referee should allow a reasonable time for the ball to emerge from the ruck particularly if either team is moving forward. If the ruck becomes stationary or in the opinion of the referee the ball will probably not emerge from the ruck without delay, he should order a scrummage.