Definition
A ruck is formed after a tackle when the ball is on the ground and at least one player from each team, on their feet, binds over the ball. Players may only use their feet to move the ball backwards and must not handle it. Players must join the ruck from behind the hindmost foot. The team that brings the ball into the ruck is considered the team in possession.
Below is an example of a ruck. This is a White team ruck, as White started the ruck with possession of the ball.
How to Code
Step 1: Identify that a ruck has occurred.
Use your rugby knowledge and the definition above to recognise when a ruck has formed.
Step 2: Label the ruck.
A) Opposition team’s Ruck:
Press "2" (Opposition Possession) > Press "R".
Adjust the ruck event’s start and finish to match the full duration of the ruck using "," and "." on your keyboard.
Press Enter.
B) Home team ruck:
Press "1" (Home Team Possession) > Press "R".
Adjust the ruck event’s start and finish to match the full duration of the ruck using "," and "." on your keyboard.
Press Enter.
Step 3: Add ruck arrivals (for Home team only).
Make sure you are on the right team by pressing "1" (Home Team Possession).
Press "A" and enter the player’s shirt number and Press Enter.
Ensure the timeline matches when the player joined the Ruck formation.
Repeat this for all players who arrive at the ruck. Make sure every Ruck Arrival occurs fully within the start and end time of the Ruck event.
These four players arrived to the ruck, so there should be four "Ruck Arrival" codes:
Important to Remember
Q: What is the difference between a ruck and a breakdown?
A: They mean the exact same thing
Q: What is the difference between a ruck and a maul?
A: Do not confuse rucks with mauls. Sometimes a maul can quickly turn into a ruck if the ball carrier is tackled or a player peels off the maul and the ball goes to ground. Good rugby knowledge is required to identify this correctly.
Q: Do all Ruck Arrivals need to be within the ruck event time?
A: Yes. All Ruck Arrivals must be inside the start/finish time of the Ruck event.