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In the middle of a 7m square set out four cones in a rectangle, three strides wide, by two deep. This represents the tackle “gate”. Players cannot enter from the sides of this box. Place a ball in the middle of the cone box.
Split the players into teams of four and two and put them outside the square. When you shout “GO”, both teams enter the square and try to win the ball. The team with four players has to work out how many players they want to commit to the ruck.
The session can be developed further by playing a 10v10 game (depending on how many players you have) on half a pitch.
Use passive five-man scrums, allow kicking, and if the ball goes into touch have a contested two-man lineout.
For penalty offences, have a free kick with the opposition standing 5m back. Otherwise normal rugby laws apply except you judge whether players are making a difference at the ruck.
Blow the whistle and question players if necessary. Have any spare players shout judgments from the sidelines. Change the teams to involve all players.
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