Page 1 of 1

What is a Line-out?
The scrum is the defining characteristic of rugby and is used to restart play following a minor infraction. It consists of the 8 forwards from each team bound together as one unit. Once bound together, each team pushes against the other while controlling the ball with only their feet. The team which pushes their opponents away from the ball and/or keeps contol of the ball will have possession of the ball and is said to have "won the scrum".

Forming a Line-out

The eight forwards are the players who form the scrum. The hooker, two props, two second rows, two flankers and the number eight all bind together in a 3-4-1 formation, ready to lock heads with the opposition.

To form a scrum, each team first 'packs down'. The two props bind onto either side of the hooker and are collectively called the front row. Once the front row is set, the two second rows bind tightly together and to the front row, putting their heads in the gaps between the hooker and the props. Finally the back row, consisting of the 2 flankers and the number 8, bind onto the sides and back of the scrum (the number 8 positions his head in the gap between the second row players).

Once each team has packed down, the referee will initiate the scrum by saying some variation of the following:

" Crouch" - Each pack gets low and ensures all bindings are tight.

"Touch" - The tighthead and loosehead props from opposite teams may touch prior to "engaging" to ensure a safe and effective start to the scrum.

"Engage" - Once the referee uses this keyword, each pack leans forward and the heads of opposing front row players interlock. Each front row player from BOTH teams ensures that his head goes to the right-hand side of his opponent.

The teams cannot actively push against each other at this stage and each team is required to wait until the ball has been fed to the scrum (see below) before thay can start to contest for possession.

See also ..........
Basics of the game
Rugby terms
Player Positions
Scrums