Rugby Union: Guide To Scrums

There are several scrums per game. How the scrum is formed and which players take part is bound by extremely strict guidelines; these are specialist positions and one wrong move could result in a snapped spine.

Step 1: Positions

The hooker and two props bind together, arms linked like this. This is called the ‘front row'.

Following that, the two locks bind, get down on one knee and put their heads between the prop and the hooker, resting their shoulders underneath the buttocks. This is known as the ‘second row'.

Behind them is the Number Eight, and the two Flankers hang off the sides…

Step 2: Engaging

You'll typically hear the ref say the words ‘crouch, hold, touch, engage' when a scrum takes place. This is a guide so both teams do the same thing at the same time.

Teams then interlock so that no two teammates' heads are next to each other.

This is where the push is gentle, the scrum is held steady.

Step 3: Ball in

The scrum half for the team that was awarded the scrum feeds the ball into the tunnel, dead straight so neither team has an unfair advantage. No one is allowed to raise their feet ready to hook it back until the ball has left the scrum half's hands.

At this point, the hookers both attempt to hook it back to their teammates. Props are responsible for keeping the ball within the scrum, all the while driving the opposing team back..

By now, the scrum half has made his way round to the back of the scrum, so when it pops out he can feed it away to the backs.

Step 4: Foul Play

Collapsing the scrum or ‘lifting' the opponent is extremely dangerous, so expect refs to come down hard if anyone's doing it deliberately

If the ball comes out the sides of the scrum at any point, the ref will order it to be put back in again.