A Scrum in Rugby: 10 Important Rules and Things to know

A Scrum in Rugby. Author PierreSelim. Wikimedia Commons

A Scrum in Rugby: 10 Important Rules and Things to know

In a game of rugby set pieces are ways to restart the game after a break in play, usually from an infraction like a knock on or a penalty, or when the ball goes out of play. The two most common set pieces are line outs and scrums. There are a large number of rules regarding the specifics of what can and cannot be done during a scrum which involves eight players from either side who bind together in the correct formation. This is mainly for safety reasons, because if a scrum is not conducted properly there is a greater chance of injury.

After an infringement during play, the referee indicates where the scrum will take place by making a line with his foot across the pitch and the two sides bind either side of this mark facing squarely forward. Once players are bound with their own teammates correctly the opposition front rows should be no more than arm’s length apart. In this article we will be looking at A Scrum in Rugby: 10 Important Rules and Things to know.

1. Scrums Are One Of The Most Dangerous Phases In Rugby

Scrum. Author Tokuzo of Edomura. Wikimedia Commons

For beginners, scrums are ranked as one of the most dangerous phases in rugby. The reason given is that a collapse or improper engage can lead to a front row player damaging or even breaking their neck and other fatalities that can even lead to death. For this reason, only trained players may play in the front row to help avoid injuries. If a team is without sufficient specialist front-row players, for example, because of injury or sin-binning, all scrums are termed “uncontested scrums”. In this situation, the packs engage but do not push, and the team that still puts the ball into the scrum must win it without effort.

Find more exciting stories here

2. A Scrum Is Usually Called After An Infringement In The Game

English referee Tim Wigglesworth and his touch judge discuss an off-the-ball incident. Author Graham Wilson. Wikimedia Commons

A scrum is one of the most common calls in a game of rugby. The referee usually calls for a scrum when a player fumbles the ball forward, drops the ball forward, or passes it forward. As a result of this, the opposing team gets possession of the ball and gets to perform a scrum. In other words, it calls for an infringement in the game of rugby and is an advantage to the team. Scrums involve eight players from each team, who bind together and shove against one another.

Read more here

3. What is the point of a rugby scrum?

The point of a rugby scrum is to restart the game in a contestable way. In normal play, the game is usually congested especially in the 15’s rugby. Once a scrum is called, all the forwards will be drawn into one area of the pitch automatically. This creates space elsewhere for other players to make the move forward. Once the ball is in the tunnel the hookers use their feet and legs to ‘hook’ the ball backwards and so win possession of the ball which moves back through the scrum and exits at the rear.

Get more fascinating stories here

4. The Referee Uses Three Words To Initiate A Scrum

Binding in scrum. Author www.davidmolloyphotography.com. Wikimedia Commons

For a scrum to be complete eight players from each present must be present unless one of the teams has a penalized player in the sin bin. The players from both teams bind together and shove against one another in a circular motion. The shape of the scrum involves three rows; the front row, the second row, and the back row. The front row consists of two props and a hooker, the second row consists of two locks, and the back row consists of two flankers and a No. 8. It is only after the scrum is organized and still that the referee can make a call to proceed.

Traditionally, the referee says ‘crouch’ and the front row players should crouch i.e. bend on one knee and hold a player’s waist to make it firm, but the head and shoulders are not allowed to go lower than the hips. Each member of the front row’s head will slot to the left of the opponents in the front row opposite them so they position them accordingly ready to do this but don’t make contact yet.

Once the referee is satisfied then he makes another call ‘bind’ and the props will use their outside free arm to bind on the opposition prop’s upper arm usually by grabbing hold of the jersey in some fashion. This bind should remain firm for the entirety of the scrum.

If both sides of the scrum are steady and stable then the referee will finally call out ‘engage’ signifying action is ready to resume. At this point, the front row thrust their heads horizontally so that they interlock with the opposition’s front row.

The rules dictate that all players must remain bound to the scrum throughout. The players involved in the scrum may push directly forward but not try to ‘wheel’ the scrum one way or the other and are not allowed to deliberately collapse the scrum by pulling, ensuring that their head does not pop up out of the scrum. If an infringement occurs here, then a penalty is awarded.

5. The Team With Possession Gets To Roll The Ball Into The Scrum

The team with possession gets to roll the ball into the scrum. This honour is charged to a specific player i.e. the scrum half. He/she rolls the ball down the tunnel formed by the two teams. Once the ball has been rolled, the hooker from his/her team attempts to “hook” the ball back with his or her foot towards their team. The ball then rolls its way back through the forest of legs back to the No. 8 at the back of the scrum, and from there the ball is played out and the game resumes. Because of the advantages, the team that puts the ball in usually wins possession. At this point, the game becomes more exciting as it opens up.

6. The Scrum Begins When The Ball Leaves The Hands Of The Scrum-Half

The rules in rugby are adhered to very strictly and the scrum is not an exception. It begins when the ball leaves the hands of the scrum half. Before then the teams are not allowed to push. Once the action resumes possession may be gained by pushing the opposition backwards and off the ball. This is done in a straight and parallel to the ground.  Front-row players may gain possession by striking for the ball but only once the ball touches the ground in the tunnel. Of importance to note is that a front-row player striking for the ball may do so with either foot but not both at the same time.

7. Just Like Football, The Game Of Rugby Also Has An Offside Call

Just like football, the game of rugby also has an offside call. During a scrum, the six players not involved in the scrum from each team must be five meters behind the back foot of the furthest player back on their side of the scrum. They cannot advance forward until the referee deems that the ball is “out” from the scrum. If this is not adhered to then the referee will make a call for offside to the detriment of the team that has broken the rule.

8. Does the ball have to go in straight in a scrum?

Rugby Ball. Photo by Edgar Pimenta on Unsplash

Once a scrum is formed, the ball cannot just be thrown in without a formula.  The scrum-half has to put the ball into the scrum straight. However, since they have the advantage of the ball, they are allowed to tilt the ball towards their own players’ side though it still has to be straight.

9. A Penalty Is Awarded For An Infringement In The Scrum

Penalty. Author jomike. Wikimedia Commons

As pointed out earlier players are not allowed to deliberately collapse a scrum, wheel a scrum, or bore into the opposing team’s hooker. However, some crafty players have devised a way to commit these offences in order to prevent the opposition from dominating their scrum and pushing them backwards. Thus, the referee will call for a penalty.

In other words, it can cause the referee to penalize them more later in the game if they believe they have the weaker scrum. If that is the case then the other team can then deliberately drop the scrum and wrongfully gain a penalty for it. In this manner, the scrum can turn into a bit of a game with the referee.

Read more here

10. How long does a scrum last in rugby?

Because rugby is an action-packed game, usually infringements are not supposed to take so much time as it reduces the momentum of the game. Therefore, under normal circumstances, scrums can last anywhere between 10 seconds if the hooker’s heel strike is clean, through to 2 minutes if the scrum needs resetting. On average it has been established that it can take approximately 70 seconds.