How Many Players Can Be Tackled at Once in Rugby – A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction to Rugby Tackling Rules

Rugby is a game renowned for its physicality and the numerous tactical nuances that accompany it. One question often arises: how many players can be tackled at once in rugby? The answer, while straightforward for the ball carrier, becomes more complex when multiple players are involved.

Understanding the Basics

At first glance, tackling a ball carrier seems to be a solitary endeavor. However, the laws of the game, particularly in Rugby Union and Rugby League, allow for situations where multiple players can be involved in a tackle. This guide will explore these scenarios and clarify the rules surrounding tackling in both forms of the sport.

Ball Carrier and Immediate Tackling

During open play, only the ball carrier can be tackled. This is a fundamental rule in rugby. If the ball carrier becomes confused or is in a maul, the team with the ball may form a maul or a loose scrum around the ball carrier. However, for the team to move forward, the ball must be held by the player at the front who can be tackled by the first defender, often referred to as a 'sack' [1].

Formation of a Maul

In a maul, which occurs when at least two players support the ball carrier and are in contact with an opponent [2], the team with the ball forms a rolling movement [3]. However, once the ball reaches the back of the maul, if no defender has joined, all players in front of the ball are offside, leading to a penalty against them [4].

Tackling in a Maul

The maul becomes a controlled formation with the attacking team having at least one player (holding the ball) and the defending team having more than one player. Once a maul forms, it cannot be tackled directly. Instead, the maul must be brought down by attrition or the ball must be released. Importantly, it is illegal to attempt to take down a supporting player in a maul [5].

Tackling in Rugby Union

In Rugby Union, the key rule is that only the ball carrier can be tackled [6]. Here are some exceptions and scenarios: Multiple players can be held in a maul, but only one can be tackled at the front of the maul [7]. If a maul forms and no defender has joined, attacking players in front of the ball are offside, resulting in a penalty [8]. The team with the ball can move the ball to the back of the maul, but if no defender has joined, a penalty is called [9].

Tackling in Rugby League

Rugby League operates differently, allowing for more complex scenarios where multiple players can be tackled simultaneously. Here are some key points: Like Rugby Union, only the ball carrier can be tackled directly. However, a maul can be formed in Rugby League, and multiple players can be involved [10]. The legality of tackling multiple ball carriers simultaneously is more flexible in Rugby League. As long as the players are from opposing teams, there is no specific rule against this [11]. Theoretically, as many players as can fit into a space can be tackled in Rugby League. However, once a maul is formed, it behaves similarly to Rugby Union [12].

Conclusion

The number of players that can be tackled at once in rugby depends on the specific situation and the form of rugby being played. In Rugby Union, the ball carrier is the primary target, but a maul can involve multiple players. In Rugby League, more complex scenarios are possible, but the fundamental rules still apply. Understanding these rules is crucial for both players and spectators to enjoy the game to the fullest.

References:

Carrick, M. (2021, June 28). The Rugby League Project. Retrieved from Rugby Union Play: Maul. (n.d.). Retrieved from The Irish Times. Glenys, J. (2020, January 27). RugbyNews. Retrieved from “banging-into-a-maul”-educator-says/ British Columbia Rugby Union. (n.d.). Mauls and 5-Meters. Retrieved from The Rugby Company. (2018, November 30). How to Tackle in Rugby. Retrieved from