Rugby: 1st man at the ruck

Have 3 or more pad holders, this depends on how many rucking units you wish to have and how many players you have at training - but work hard to keep every player busy and active.

The 3 pad holder should be about 5 meters back from the rucking units, and they should be holding the pads safely.

Players should work in groups of 2, and there will be 1 scrum half. Only one ball is needed as the scrum half will move the ball from unit to unit.

Get the players moving quickly, and tell the players the following....

1. One player carries the ball into contact and presents the ball.
2. The other player provides covers and time for the scrum half to move the ball to the next unit.

The scrum half should move the ball from unit to unit, and the units/pads should reposition themselves for the next line of attacks. Keep the action going, and don't forget to change the players on the pads.

Pass gets given to the attacker who has to run down the grid. When the tackle comes in the player with the ball has to present the ball.

Tackler has to get to feet quickly to get the ball and pass it back the the initial passer of the practice . Next two player go.

After each go the players swap sides.

Have a line of two or more ruck shields, a safe distance apart, five meters from the players that will make the hits. Make sure that the pad holders are holding their pads safely. You should also make sure that you have as many stations as you need in order to keep as many of your players as busy as possible.

The player facing the pad should do the following...

1. Approach the pad high.
2. Hit low and hard with the shoulder.
3. Take the pad holders leading leg, raising they legs off the ground.
4. Drive through the hit, placing their non leg holding hand rightly around the body of the pad holder.
5. They should pump with their legs, beyond the contact.

• Groups of 3+ 
• Bag 
• Sausage

2 player starts on his chest infront of the sausage, another player lines up opposite.

When whistle is blown, the first player makes a chop tackle on the bag and rolls out the way. 

The second defender then then spider carwls over the sausage and clears the incoming bag holder.