Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
NZ NZ

Why are referees ignoring the rules around rucking conga?

By Josh Raisey
Exeter Chiefs have been using the alternative ruck approach. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)

One thing that is slowly creeping its way back into the game of rugby is the use of ladder rucking before a box kick. 

ADVERTISEMENT

This was something that grew increasingly prevalent at the beginning of last decade, where the team in possession would form a train of players leading back from the ruck to create a greater distance between the scrum-half and the opposition defence in order to make a box kick easier. 

Saracens were the main exponents of this rucking conga, and World Rugby subsequently introduced the five second law at the base of the ruck to counteract this problem.

The law states: “When the ball has been clearly won by a team at the ruck, and is available to be played, the referee calls “use it”, after which the ball must be played away from the ruck within five seconds.”

However, this law is so seldom enforced by referees that the tactic has worked its way back into the game again. Often the words “use it” are heard, but very rarely is there any punishment if nothing happens within the next five seconds. 

This time round, Exeter Chiefs are the ones who are often associated with this conga, shown no clearer than in their recent Premiership Rugby Cup match against Harlequins. In this match, a train of five players were used, which brings the ball almost five metres back from where the ball carrier went to ground. 

It is hard to see how a team could ever set this up in the five seconds that they theoretically have once the ball is playable to the scrum-half. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Ultimately, if teams are able to get away with it, they will, as it creates a safe situation for a team to clear the ball without the threat of being charged down. It does equally slow the game down, and create far fewer opportunities for defences to compete, which does affect the sport as a product. 

The easiest way to combat such a problem is for referees to adhere to the laws which were originally created to combat this very problem.

Watch: Ricky Riccitelli cheap shot on Kolisi

Video Spacer
ADVERTISEMENT

Join free

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | Episode 6

Sam Warburton | The Big Jim Show | Full Episode

Japan Rugby League One | Sungoliath v Eagles | Full Match Replay

Japan Rugby League One | Spears v Wild Knights | Full Match Replay

Boks Office | Episode 10 | Six Nations Final Round Review

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | How can New Zealand rugby beat this Ireland team

Beyond 80 | Episode 5

Rugby Europe Men's Championship Final | Georgia v Portugal | Full Match Replay

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

TRENDING
TRENDING 'Crikey': Son of league legend Martin Offiah picked by England U18s 'Crikey': Son of league legend Martin Offiah picked by England U18s
Search