Rugby Scrum: A 101 Guide To The Scrum In Rugby

What is a scrum in rugby?

A scrum is a set piece that is used to restart play after a minor infraction or penalty in a game of rugby. A scrum involves the eight forwards of each team binding together in a turtle-like huddle. Each pack’s scrum formation consists of a front row (the two props and hooker), a second row (the two locks), and a back row (the two flankers and the number eight.)

In a scrum, each forward pack will then come together on the referee’s signal in a contest of strength and coordination as the attacking team’s scrum-half rolls the ball in through the channel between each pack’s front row. While the attacking team has the advantage when it comes to possessing the ball, the defending scrum may be able to steal possession in a scrum if they time their movements correctly.

Not sure about what some of the roles mentioned above are? Check out our rugby positions guide to learn more about the 15 rugby players on the pitch and what they do.

How does a rugby scrum work?

Once each forward pack binds together, the referee will give three commands: crouch, bind, and set. At each command, the forward packs of each team will complete distinct tasks that make up the stages of a scrum.

• Crouch: When the referee calls crouch, each forward pack will crouch low in a power position bound to the man next to them with backs flat and ready to drive forward.

• Bind: On the second command, bind, the front row of each pack will bind to the opposition. To bind, the props of each forward back reach out and grasp the outside shoulder of the opposing props.

• Set: When the referee is satisfied that each forward pack is bound properly, they will give the final command of set. When set is called, each forward pack drives forward into the other, attempting to overpower the opposition. At this point, the scrum-half of the attacking team is free to “put in” the ball through the channel between each front row, where the hooker attempts to hook the ball back into their side of the scrum.

The objective of the attacking team in the scrum is either to drive the defense off the ball to gain territory and set up a strong attacking platform or simply remain stable long enough to work the ball to the number eight and offer a clean opportunity for the scrum-half to play it out.

For the defense, the goal is to drive the attacking team off the ball to steal possession or to legally wheel the scrum 90 degrees, resulting in a turnover and reset of the scrum. Failing these outcomes, the defense may also be successful by overpowering and destabilizing the attacking scrum, causing the scrum-half to attempt to make a play on a difficult to handle ball.

If you need help understanding some of the vocabulary in this article, read our rugby terms glossary for helpful definitions and explanations.

When does a scrum happen?

There are several situations in which a rugby scrum may occur to restart play. Here we will examine some of the most common scenarios when a scrum may occur and where on the field the mark will be placed by the referee.

• Following a knock-on: When the ball is knocked forward by a member of the attacking team, a scrum is awarded to the defense at the point where it was knocked forward. A referee may call advantage to the defending team following the knock on, but if advantage is not gained they will return to the mark to set the scrum.

• Following a forward pass: Similar to a knock on, a scrum will be awarded to the defending team on the mark if an attacking player throws a forward pass.

• Following a kickoff directly into touch: If a kickoff is sent directly into touch, the receiving team will be awarded a scrum. In this scenario, the referee will set the mark directly at the center of the pitch. This is known as a “scrum center” and is considered one of the most dangerous attacking platforms in rugby because it gives the attacking team many options as to how to restart play.

• Following a penalty (if elected): When a penalty is awarded, a team may elect to scrum at the mark where the penalty occurred. Alternatively, the team awarded the penalty may elect to kick to touch, quick tap and restart play through the mark, or attempt a place kick at the goal for three points.

Rugby scrum rules

There are several laws that govern the scrum in rugby, and they have evolved over the years. The following are the current World Rugby laws governing the scrum and the associated penalties for violating these laws.

Front row players must bind properly

Properly binding in a scrum involves gripping the opposing player’s jersey on the back or side. If a referee is not satisfied with the binding of a player, they may halt and ask each team to reset the scrum following a brief explanation. Binding must be maintained for the duration of the scrum. If improper binding is a repeated issue, the referee may call a penalty against the offending player.

Hookers’ feet must be in line with the props

A hooker must position their feet in line with the foremost foot of the props on either side of them in the scrum. This ensures that both hookers may fairly contest the ball when the attacking team’s scrum-half puts it in. Hookers may only contest the ball with one of their feet --- whichever they prefer but not both at the same time.

Pushing may only occur when the scrum begins

Teams may only push when the scrum begins after the referee calls “set.” In the past, early pushing became a tactic employed by rugby teams to gain an advantage over their opponents, but has since been outlawed. Early pushing will result in a penalty and loss of possession, and repeated infractions may result in a yellow card at the referee’s discretion.

Players may only push straight and parallel to the ground

Pushing is a core element of the scrum, as each team will often try to overpower the other. However, this must be done so legally --- players may only push straight and parallel to the ground, maintaining their balance and remaining under control.

Players may not collapse the scrum

Intentionally pulling the scrum down to collapse it is illegal and will result in a penalty for collapsing the scrum. The team awarded the penalty will receive possession of the ball and the offending team will be required to retreat 10 meters.

Backs must stay onside

To be onside during a scrum, each team’s backline must be five meters behind the back foot of the last player in their scrum. This is typically the number eight. Only once the ball is played out of the scrum can the backlines advance. Failure to remain onside will result in an offside penalty, giving the ball away to the opposition and requiring the offending team to retreat 10 meters.

For more information about rugby rules and penalties, check out our helpful guide that will introduce the core laws that govern rugby union.

Scrum with the very best

You may have heard American football or hockey commentators use the word scrum to describe a chaotic scramble on the field, but as you can see from this guide a rugby scrum is anything but. This meticulously governed set piece is a common fixture in the game of rugby union and is used frequently in any match. Now, when you watch or play rugby, you will be fully aware of why a scrum occurs and what is going on during one.

If you want to learn more about specific elements of rugby, check out our guides to the ruck, the lineout, and the maul. Or, if you’re ready to play with a New York rugby club, join Queens Rugby today and we’ll see you on the pitch at our next training session!