ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
REGISTER
LOGIN
ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
Friday Apr 3, 2020

Clarification needed on crocodile roll after new World Rugby breakdown guidelines

World Rugby have taken a step towards making the ruck area safer by implementing a “strict reinforcement of existing law”. A specialist breakdown group was brought in to address this complex area of the game, and this step has been taken before any changes are made to the laws.

ADVERTISEMENT

There will be stricter officiating of laws 14 and 15 from July 2020, with particular focus on these areas:

Tackler (Law 14): 14.5 – must a) Immediately release the ball and the ball-carrier after both players go to ground and b) Immediately move away from the tackled player and from the ball or get up.

Ball Carrier (Law 14): 14.2 – Being brought to ground means that the ball-carrier is lying, sitting or has at least one knee on the ground or on another player who is on the ground. 14.5 – Tacklers must: d) Allow the tackled player to release or play the ball.

First arriving player (Law 15): 15.11 – Once a ruck has formed, no player may handle the ball unless they were able to get their hands on the ball before the ruck formed and stay on their feet. 15.12 – Players must endeavour to remain on their feet throughout the ruck.

Other arriving players (Law 15): 5 – An arriving player must be on their feet and join from behind their offside line. 6 – A player may join alongside but not in front of the hindmost player. 10 – Possession may be won either by rucking or by pushing the opposing team off the ball.”

However, this is not enough for many who have campaigned for changes to the laws surrounding the breakdown. It will of course limit injuries from players recklessly going off their feet at the ruck, or entering it illegally, but ultimately, these were already the laws and should have been implemented.

ADVERTISEMENT

It is a slightly strange step to take by World Rugby to simply announce that nothing has changed, but players have been playing fast and loose with the laws in recent years and have been allowed to so. This is effectively a clean slate where officiating can be reset going forward.

Olympic gold winning sevens coach Ben Ryan has been one of the strongest advocates for law changes, and therefore wants more clarity from this.

The ‘crocodile roll’ is a part of the game the sevens guru wants to see addressed, as this is a form of rucking that can cause catastrophic knee and ankle injuries.

ADVERTISEMENT

While a more draconian implementation of the laws may limit the roll, as it often forces players to go off their feet, World Rugby have made nothing explicit and nothing new has been outlawed.

It is for that reason why Ryan, and many others, are calling for more clarity. However, this may well be the first step in a process of changes. If problems are still occurring even with referees adopting a stricter approach, it may be time for a sterner look at the law book.

YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY:

Video Spacer

Comments




Related Articles

  • 86 WEEKS AGO

    Ellis Genge puts on his boxing gloves ready...

  • 86 WEEKS AGO

    Crazy scenes as player deliberately kicks...

  • 87 WEEKS AGO

    RFU make decision on transgender players...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    The dummy that sold the whole of Perth - including the cameraman

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Bayonne score 'one of the best tries you'll ever see' in latest match against Exeter

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    Baloucoune shows Andy Farrell what he's missing as the winger tears through Harlequins defence

  • 22 WEEKS AGO

    Seriously impressive Courtney Lawes compilation released after England player calls time on international career

  • 23 WEEKS AGO

    Fiji number eight Viliame 'Bill' Mata scores audacious try

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    The sending off that rocked the Six Nations opener

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Wrecking ball beats 10 players to score full length of the pitch try

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    Monster hit from Perrin leaves Bristol Bears player stunned

  • 20 WEEKS AGO

    Posolo Tuilagi's massive tackle lights up Top 14

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Christian Wade proves he still has the X-factor with 50 metre mazy finish for Racing 92

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Magical sevens try leaves defender stuck in the mud

  • 5 DAYS AGO

    The fan reaction to Georgia calling out Wales this Autumn

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    England player ratings: England wake Twickenham up with huge victory

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible scenes as Italy shock Scotland in Rome

View All

Funnies

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Awesome scenes as Blitzbok fan throws down at the HSBC SVNS

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Mike Philips recounts crazy night Shane Williams tried to fight Warren Gatland

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Shaun Edwards leaves room silent in new Six Nations documentary with French to English transition

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 22 WEEKS AGO

    Luke Cowan-Dickie left red faced after losing very costly bet

View All

Amateur

  • 63 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 63 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 86 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 86 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 87 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 17 HOURS AGO

    Northampton Saints brothers retire a day apart

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Christian Wade proves he still has the X-factor with 50 metre mazy finish for Racing 92

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Tributes paid as World Cup referee looks to hang up boots

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Statement: Danny Care calls time on international career

  • 5 DAYS AGO

    Fin Smith returns to face off against AJ MacGinty in Premiership restart

View All