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....
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.
Ball carrier should hit low and hard. Ball carried should keep the ball away from the contact area.
The support player should decide: does he clear and drive, provide cover over the ball establishing an off side line, or simply position himself over the player on the ground and the ball. You might wish to work on decision making at the ruck?
The scrum half should have a target, maybe 3 seconds. Lets keep those heads up, play what we see and scan in order to make better decisions and to stay safe.
Communication, what needs to be said, who should be saying it, how should they be saying it. Loud, clear, useful communication.
in more ways than one
in more ways than one
The offload is one of rugby's most devastating weapons when executed well, turning a defensive collision into a second-phase attacking opportunity. This article breaks down the technique, timing, and training progressions coaches need to develop confident offloaders at every level.
Defensive line speed is the single most important factor in shutting down attacking opportunities before they develop. This guide explores how to coach your defensive line to push up as a connected unit, communicate under pressure, and deny the opposition time and space.
The teams winning in 2026 aren't taking risks - they're grinding out territory with relentless pick-and-go phases. Here's how to coach it.