Scrum (rugby)

Scrum (rugby)

A scrum (an abbreviated form of scrummage, which is now rarely used, except as a verb) is a method of re-starting play in all codes of rugby football. Depending on whether it is in rugby union or rugby league, the scrum is utilised either after an accidental infringement or when the ball has gone out of play. Scrums occur more often, and are of greater importance, in union than in league.

In both sports, a scrum is formed by the players who are designated forwards binding together in three rows. The scrum then 'engages' with the opposition team so that the player's heads are interlocked with those of the other side's front row. The scrum-half from the team that did not infringe then throws the ball into the tunnel created in the space between the two sets of front rowers' legs. Both teams may then try to compete for the ball by trying to hook the ball backwards with their feet.

A key difference between the two sports is that in rugby union both sets of forwards try to push the opposition backwards whilst competing for the ball and thus the team that did not throw the ball into the scrum have some chance of winning the possession. In practice, however, the team with the 'put-in' usually keeps possession. Forwards in rugby league do not usually push in the scrum, scrum-halfs often feed the ball directly under the legs of their own front row rather than into the tunnel, and the team with the put-in almost always retains possession.