What is a ruck in rugby?

In rugby, a ruck is a situation that occurs when a player from each team is on their feet and in physical contact, close over the ball on the ground which is loose on the ground. A ruck is formed after a player is tackled and brought to the ground and the tackler releases the player. Players then compete for possession of the ball by driving over it with their feet while bound onto their teammates.

The objective of the attacking team in a ruck is to secure possession of the ball and retain it so they can continue their attacking play. The defending team, on the other hand, tries to disrupt the attacking team's ball retention by driving them back or stripping the ball away.

Rucks are a crucial aspect of the game as they are a primary means of regaining possession of the ball, maintaining possession, and building attacking phases. Rucks require teamwork, physicality, and technique from the players involved. Players must stay on their feet, bind onto teammates, and drive over the ball legally.

Rucks are governed by specific laws and regulations, and referees are tasked with ensuring that players adhere to these laws during the game. Failure to follow ruck laws can result in penalties or turnovers of possession.