Law Application Guidelines

Charging into the ruck

February 2010

Players entering a ruck must do so in accordance with the Laws of the Game. Referees are reminded that appropriate binding is a requirement, and charging into a ruck is dangerous play and must be penalised as such.

The video clips below all show examples of illegal charges into the ruck.

Law text

16.2

JOINING A RUCK

(b)

A player joining a ruck must bind on a team-mate or an opponent, using the whole arm. The bind must either precede, or be simultaneous with, contact with any other part of the body of the player joining the ruck.

Sanction: Penalty kick

10.4

DANGEROUS PLAY AND MISCONDUCT

(g)

Dangerous charging. A player must not charge or knock down an opponent carrying the ball without trying to grasp that player.

Sanction: Penalty kick

(h)

A player must not charge into a ruck or maul. Charging includes any contact made without use of the arms, or without grasping a player.

Clip 1

Clip 2

Clip 3

Clip 4

Clip 5

Clip 6

Clips 1-5 courtesy of Sky Sports
Clip 6 courtesy of Super Sport