One issue we sometimes come across, especially in Junior rugby, is players being "pulled through" the ruck at the breakdown. This is illegal and hopefully I can explain! Law 11.2 states that A ruck is formed when at least one player from each team are in contact, on their feet and over the ball which is on the ground - as soon as a defender grabs an attacking player who is on their feet over the ball a ruck is formed. We then move to law 11.10 which states that possession may be won either by rucking or by pushing the opposing team off the ball. Rucking is use of the feet to get the ball back and pushing is not pulling! Consequently pulling an opponent over the ball would fall foul of law 11.16(b) that no player must intentionally collapse a ruck or jump on top of it. Hopefully that helps clarify that - but don't be surprised if players get penalised for doing it though remember that a referee may or may not choose to do so depending upon whether they consider it to be a material offence.

Take note all and avoid those unnecessary penalties.