Rugby scrum trial#
“The global implementation of this trial is a forward step, which will be subject to continual monitoring and evaluation.
It is important that we continue to promote the best possible player welfare standards and this trial process is about putting players first and delivering a reduction of the forces on engagement at elite level, which could have significant positive effects on long-term player welfare.” IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “The scrum is a fundamental and dynamic part of our Game. The process was overseen and recommended to IRB Council by the specialist IRB Scrum Steering Group (featuring Union scrum experts) as a potential enhancement to the scrum mechanics after an extensive process of testing and analysis at all levels of the Game within the unprecedented IRB funded Scrum Forces Project run by the University of Bath in conjunction with the RFU. At that point, the two packs will engage. The front rows will maintain the bind until the referee calls “set”. In a revision of the 'crouch, touch, set' engagement sequence currently being trialled, props will be expected to bind using their outside arm after the referee has called "bind" in the sequence. Implementation will begin at the start of the next season in both hemispheres and follows extensive evaluation of the sequence during the recent IRB Pacific Rugby Cup, which indicated the possible delivery of a more stable platform leading to fewer resets and more successful scrums. We hope you’ve enjoyed our masterclass on the game of rugby so far, please be sure to watch the next video of our ‘Rugby 101 series,’ as we go over the backlines role after the set-piece.The International Rugby Board Council has announced the implementation of a global trial of the “crouch, bind, set” scrum engagement sequence, which is aimed at enhancing player welfare by reducing impact on engagement by up to 25 per cent in elite competition.Īpproval of the sequence on player welfare grounds, is coupled with a call for Game-wide commitment from law-makers, match officials, coaches and players to ensure a fair and positive attitude is applied to deal with scrum issues facing the elite level of the Game.
Rugby scrum full#
Not abiding by these laws to the scrum will result in either a free kick or a full penalty to the non-offending team. All front-rowers must push straight, and the scrumhalf must put the ball in down the middle of the channel. Both forward packs have to stay this way through the cadence, and must not use their hands when the ball is in. In a match, the referee will only start his cadence when both packs are square, stable, and stationary. As the ball is put in, the Eight will routinely control the ball at their feet, to inevitably be cleared by a pass, or kept in and driven to earn a penalty. Finally, the Number Eight commands the scrum, controlling the locks before the initial hit. Flankers must help stabilize their props before the scrum, as well as being aware to break away after the ball has been played. That being said, their body profiles will stay constant: a tight bind must be made with your lock, along with a brace onto your prop with the shoulder, before the initial hit is made. With flankers, positioning will change depending on who is the blindside flanker, the number six, and who is the openside, the number seven. As the locks put their shoulders on and bind to their respective props, they engage tightly to keep the pressure on their front rowers. Beginning with a high and tight bind from the hooker around both props, the front row assures that they will not be split apart by their opposition as the pushing begins. With help from his fellow forwards, Neets takes us through the setup of each forward as the group packs down to scrum. With arms interlocked and heads down, both groups may only push forward when the ball has been put into the scrum.
Rugby scrum pro#
This week, in the seventh episode of our video series ‘Rugby 101,’ pro player Neets Gericke teaches us about the scrum, a set piece where the forwards bind together in an ordered formation to push over the ball against an opposing pack.