A ruck is a phase of play where one or more players from each team, who are on their feet, in physical contact, close around the ball on the ground. Open play has ended.

Players are rucking when they are in a ruck and using their feet to try to win or keep possession of the ball, without being guilty of foul play.

 

A ruck ends unsuccessfully when the ball becomes unplayable and a scrum is ordered.

The team that was moving forward immediately before the ball became unplayable in the ruck throws in the ball.

If neither team was moving forward, or if the referee cannot decide which team was moving forward before the ball became unplayable in the ruck, the team that was moving forward before the ruck began throws in the ball. 

If neither team was moving forward, then the attacking team throws in the ball.

 

This is one the most important rules of rugby union.

Only players standing on their feet are allowed to handle the ball.

So that means that no player lying on the ground is allowed to touch the ball.

This is very important in rucks, especially after a maul has gone to ground or direct from a tackle.

The rules say that no player in a ruck can handle the ball.

But if they do, the referee will immediately blow his whistle and award the other team a penalty at the place where the offence took place.