A scrum restarts play after minor infringements such as a knock-on or forward pass. Eight forwards from each team bind together in three rows and push against each other, while the scrum half of the team awarded the scrum feeds the ball into the tunnel between the front rows so the hookers can strike for it. The referee manages the engagement with a crouch, bind and set sequence, and the ball must be fed straight, although referees allow some tolerance. Packs may push forward legally to win ground or disrupt the opposing feed, but deliberately collapsing the scrum, standing up, pulling down an opponent, or boring in at an angle is illegal. The scrum ends when the ball leaves it, usually from the back. Scrums are one of rugby’s most technical and physical contests and are tightly regulated for safety.
Rulebook note: Laws referenced here follow World Rugby’s Laws of the Game for rugby union. Scrum laws are detailed and updated regularly, and age-grade and community rugby often use modified scrums, such as limited pushing, for safety. Rugby league and sevens scrums differ significantly. Check the current laws for your competition.
Health note: Scrummaging places heavy loads on the neck and spine. Players must be trained in correct technique by qualified coaches before taking part in contested scrums, and competitions may require suitably trained front-row players or use uncontested scrums.
The scrum sequence
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| Crouch | Front rows crouch opposite each other |
| Bind | Props bind on their opponents |
| Set | Packs engage |
| Feed | Scrum half throws the ball in straight, with some tolerance |
| Hook | Hookers strike for the ball |
| Exit | Ball leaves the scrum, usually from the back |
Scrum formation
Each scrum has eight players per side arranged in three rows. The front row includes the loosehead prop, the hooker and the tighthead prop. The second row includes the two locks, who bind behind the front row. The back row includes the two flankers, who bind on the sides, and the number eight at the back. All players must remain properly bound until the scrum ends. The scrum is formed where the infringement occurred, but no closer than five meters from the touchline or try line.
Engagement and binding
The referee calls crouch, bind and set. On crouch, the front rows adopt a stable, low position facing each other. On bind, the props take a legal bind on their opposite number, usually on the back or side of the opponent’s jersey. On set, the packs come together. Engaging early, failing to bind correctly or dropping the bind are penalized. Strict engagement steps are designed to reduce the impact forces of the hit and make scrums safer.
The feed and the hook
The scrum half of the team awarded the scrum stands at the tunnel and feeds the ball in straight along the middle line. Referees allow some tolerance, but a crooked feed is a free kick offense. Once the ball touches the ground in the tunnel, either hooker may strike for it, and players can then push to move the ball back through their scrum with their feet. Players may not handle the ball in the scrum, and the front-row players must not kick the ball out of the tunnel.
When the scrum ends
The scrum ends when the ball leaves the scrum, most commonly when the scrum half picks it up from the back or the number eight picks it up and runs or passes. When the ball is available at the back, the referee may call use it, after which the team must play the ball promptly or lose possession. The scrum also ends if the ball emerges from the tunnel or the side, or if the scrum moves over the try line.
Scrum movement and resets
Teams may push forward legally to gain ground or pressure the opposing feed. If a scrum collapses or breaks up without an offense, the referee orders a reset. If a scrum wheels beyond ninety degrees, the referee stops play and a new scrum is formed, typically with the ball given to the team not in possession at the time. Deliberately wheeling, collapsing or standing up in the scrum is illegal and penalized.
Offside at the scrum
Offside lines at the scrum keep other players away until the ball is out. The backs must stay at least five meters behind the hindmost foot of their scrum. The scrum half of the team in possession must keep both feet behind the ball, while the opposing scrum half may follow the ball close to the scrum or retreat, within limits. Players leaving the scrum early or moving up before the ball is out are penalized.
Common scrum penalties
| Offense | Typical sanction |
|---|---|
| Early engagement | Free kick |
| Crooked feed | Free kick |
| Not binding properly | Penalty |
| Collapsing the scrum | Penalty |
| Boring in at an angle | Penalty |
| Standing up or popping out | Penalty |
| Handling the ball in the scrum | Penalty |
Uncontested scrums
If a team cannot field suitably trained front-row players, for example because of injuries, the referee orders uncontested scrums. In these, the packs form but do not push, and the team feeding the ball must win it. Competitions have rules to prevent teams from gaining an unfair advantage when scrums become uncontested.
Why scrums matter tactically
Scrums are more than a restart. A dominant scrum can win penalties, earn territory and give a team a stable attacking platform, since the opposing backs must stand five meters back, creating space in midfield. Teams often choose a scrum instead of a kick when awarded a penalty or free kick near the opponent’s line, hoping to push over for a try or win another penalty. The back row can also use the scrum to launch set moves, such as the number eight picking up and running or the scrum half breaking around the blindside. For the defending team, disrupting the opposing scrum can force errors and turnovers. Because the scrum influences so many outcomes, coaches spend considerable time on scrum technique and strategy.
Age-grade and community scrums
Many national unions modify scrum laws for younger players and some community competitions. Modifications can include limiting how far a scrum may be pushed, banning wheeling, requiring uncontested scrums for the youngest age groups or restricting who may play in the front row. These changes aim to build good technique while reducing injury risk. Coaches and players should check the specific regulations for their age group and competition.
How to scrummage safely
- Learn technique progressively from qualified coaches.
- Build neck and core strength with supervised training.
- Keep your spine straight and head up, never below your hips.
- Bind firmly and legally on teammates and opponents.
- Follow the referee’s calls exactly.
- Stop immediately if you feel pain or pressure in the neck.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Engaging early before the set call.
- Dropping the head or bending the spine.
- Poor binding or loose grips.
- Feeding the ball crooked.
- Backs moving up before the ball is out.
Frequently asked questions
When is a scrum awarded in rugby?
Usually after a knock-on, forward pass or certain other minor infringements, and sometimes as an option after a penalty or free kick.
How many players are in a rugby scrum?
Eight players from each team in union, arranged in three rows.
What happens if a scrum collapses?
If no one is at fault, the referee resets it. If a player deliberately collapses it, a penalty is awarded.
