IRB Beginner's Guide to Rugby - IRB Rugby Ready

During contact
If brought to ground and held by an opponent:
If held by an opponent but not brought to ground:
• You have been tackled; see also the tackle section • You have not been tackled; maintain a strong body
• Try to pass to support on landing 5 position and forward momentum through leg drive 6
• If unable to pass to support, present the ball
• Brace for the arrival of additional tacklers and/or
• If support players are unable to pick and go / pick and opposing supporting players
pass, a ruck will form; see the ruck section
• Look for arriving support 7
• Offload to a team-mate if possible 8
If brought to ground but not held by an opponent:
• If a supporting team-mate binds on to you, a maul is
formed; see also the maul section
• You have not been tackled; get back to your feet and
continue with open play
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6 7 8
COACHING TIPS
REFEREE TIPS
• Ensure players are aware of and understand the
principles of play
• Ensure players understand the importance of evasion
and attacking space rather than opting for contact
• Construct sessions to encourage evasion rather than
contact skills
• Use key points to improve the players’ invasion and
evasion skills in a safe manner
• Avoid gender, size, age and experience mismatches
when introducing and developing skills
• Focus on one or two key points at a time - don’t try
to coach too many key factors at once
View video examples at:
www.irbrugbyready.com/en/openfieldplay
Visit the IRB’s Law Education web site at:
www.irblaws.com
• Keep up with play
• Protect the space for players to use
• Keep a wide view of the field of play
Watch for:
• Players who charge or obstruct opponents who
are not near the ball (attackers and defenders)
Check that:
• Tackler contact remains below the shoulder level
• Hand-offs are performed legally
www.irbrugbyready.com
IRB Rugby Ready / Open field play
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