Real game contact training

Start with a tackle

Most rucks are the result of a tackle. Tackles are dynamic contact situations
where the ball carrier can end up in any number of positions.

Therefore, if you can set up a tackle situation first, then both arriving attackers and defenders will have to choose the right angle and timing to be effective.

Timing is a crucial decision-making element based on when the ball carrier actually makes it to the ground. Then it depends on how the ball carrier shapes their body to present the ball.

The tackle can be a simple 1v1 where both ball carrier and tackler start on their knees, to a 1v2 tackle in a 5m square.

Start from the right angles

When a player is tackled, the first two players to the breakdown in attack are normally coming from a position in line with the ball carrier. They’lll have to run back before they can go forward if the tackle is won by the defender, or from an angle if the tackle is won by the attacker. The same is true in reverse for the defence.

In training, support players must be running from the side of the “tackle situation”, working hard to realign themselves to come into the ruck area. 

See Sean Holley’s exercise on the right angles on page 4 and Gavin Blackburn’s continuous rucking activity on page 5.

Finish with real competition

Rucks are untidy physical battles. They are won with a combination of good technique and sheer hard work mixed with courage.

No good player wants to give up their position over the ball so it becomes a competitive battle of wills. In which case, the more you can add in a competitive element to training, the better.

Use scenarios to increase realism: For instance, recovering from a situation where the ball carrier has gone backwards, or the next ruck after a scrum or lineout. Mix up ruck pad holders with tackle suit wearers.

Allow some players to go for the ball or limit the number of attackers or defenders. Then progress to full-on games in training.

Finally, referee both "hard" and "soft". This means you should try to avoid your own biases of what you would regard as a fair ruck. Instead, try to give different interpretations of what some referees might regard as fair or not. For example, some referees are quicker than others to penalise players not releasing the ball.