Rugby term
Flanks
Definition
The sides of a ruck, maul, or scrum.
Players may not enter a ruck or maul from the flank; they must enter through the gate.
Related laws
Law 15RuckA ruck forms when at least one player from each team is in contact over the ball on the ground. Players must use their feet to move the ball, not their hands.Law 16MaulA maul forms when the ball carrier is held by opponents while at least one teammate also binds on. Unlike a ruck, the ball is carried off the ground. The maul must keep moving or the referee calls "use it".
Related terms
BindingBinding means gripping a team-mate or an opponent firmly with the arm so that players stay connected, and it is required at scrums and rucks.BreakdownThe breakdown is the contest for the ball straight after a tackle, covering the tackle itself and any ruck that forms over the ball on the ground.GateThe everyday name for how players must join a tackle, ruck or maul: from the direction of their own try line, not from the side.Hindmost footThe foot nearest a team's own try line of its last player in a maul or scrum, used to set the offside line.JackalingJackaling is when a player stays on their feet over a tackled opponent and uses their hands to win the ball before a ruck forms.MaulA phase of play with the ball carrier and at least one player from each team bound together and on their feet.ObstructionObstruction is illegally blocking an opponent from tackling the ball carrier or reaching the ball, such as running in front of a team-mate who has the ball.OffsideBeing in a position where a player is not permitted to play the ball, interfere with play, or advance.