In rugby union, the contest formed around a ball on the ground is called a ruck.
A ruck forms when at least one player from each team are in contact, on their feet, and close to the ball on the ground. Players bind onto opponents or teammates and attempt to drive over or secure the ball. Once a ruck has formed, players may not use their hands to pick up the ball.
A ruck differs from a maul because the ball is on the ground in a ruck, while the ball remains held by a player in a maul. A scrum is a structured restart involving eight forwards from each side, and a lineout restarts play after the ball goes into touch.
Rucks are among rugby union’s most frequent phases and are central to possession and quick attacking play.