What is a Jackal in Rugby? Is it even legal? For those new to the sport, the jackal is an action enabling a player to steal the ball from an opponent just after a tackle and before a ruck is formed. The ‘Jackler’, the player attempting to reclaim the ball before the ruck forms aims … Read more
A mark in Rugby Union refers to a player catching the ball cleanly from a kick made by an opponent, while being inside their own 22-meter area. When the referee awards a mark , the player who caught the ball is given the option to take a free kick from the spot they made the … Read more
A penalty try is awarded after foul play prevents a probable try from being scored. Typically penalty tries are awarded close to the defending teams tryline and often after sustained pressure. The attacking team is awarded 7 points automatically and does not have to attempt the conversion (prior to 2017, the attacking team had to … Read more
A neck roll typically occurs in a ruck situation when an attacking player attempts to remove a defender in a jackal position over the ball. The dangerous/illegal element occurs when the attacker arms move up the body onto the neck and shoulder area, then attempts to ‘roll’ this player out of the ruck by the … Read more