Rugby coaching tips on defending close to the ruck

One player stands behind the ruck to organise your players. This may be the scrum half (the number 9). Defensively, this player provides protection from a drive through the ruck.

If the ball is won, this player would have the option to kick or pass, either for another player to kick or to initiate an attack.

Two players stand either side of the ruck. The closest player to the ruck is the “pillar” or “guard”.

They stand just by the back foot and ensure no player attacks by the side of the ruck. The second player out is the “post” or “bodyguard”. They should stand no more than two arms’ lengths away from the “guard”, protecting the outside.

They can also double up if an attack comes close into the ruck.

The three-point stance

If they have time, players close to rucks could adopt a “three-point stance”. This means they make three contact points with the ground, two legs and one arm.

From this stance they are in a good position to drive forward to tackle players close to the ruck. It is based on American Football’s “linemen”.

This article is from The Ruck and How to Win It.