Ruck ruling by IRB

Rulings – periodic expansions of an aspect of the game’s laws – are not a good idea but they happen from time to time. It is hoped than when the next law changes take place all rulings are scrapped because they are redundant.

For years and years the Laws of the Game have announced piously: The laws of the game … are complete and contain all that is necessary to enable the game to be played correctly and fairly.

That would seem to eliminate rulings and interpretations.

Rulings have been known to be rescinded and in any case they tend to seep out and remain hidden to the majority, even referees.

The following concerns the ruck.

RULING 3: 2007

Law Ruling by Designated Members of Rugby Committee

1 October 2007

The GRU has requested a ruling with regard to Law 16.6 Successful end to a ruck

1. A ruck is formed and the ball is playable for Team A. All players in Team B now leave the ruck and step back. Is there still a ruck or has the ruck ended?

The Designated Members have ruled the following in answer to the question raised:

– A ruck ends successfully when the ball leaves the ruck or when the ball enters in goal i.e.. on or over the goal line.

– A ruck ends unsuccessfully when the ball becomes unplayable.

– As there has been a ruck formed initially, AND the criteria for a successful or unsuccessful ruck have not been exhibited, then the ruck has not ended.

Not that it has vast bearing on the game in itself except that it would imply that a ruck, once started, remains a ruck even when the elements of a ruck are no longer there.

That seems to mean that, should a ruck end on the ground it is still a ruck. And should the ball in a ruck come up off the ground, it is still a ruck. Should the ball in a ruck come up off the ground and the players all fall down, it is still a ruck.