ABSTRACT
The Biomechanics of the Rugby Scrum project was funded by the International Rugby Board (IRB) and was carried out by the Rugby Science group of the University of Bath. With the primary purpose to prevent the advancement of the opposing team and to regain ball possession, collisions and tackling play a fundamental role in both rugby union and rugby league. Offensive and defensive kicking performance is an important skill in rugby and can determine the outcome of a game. The velocity and acceleration of the ball carrier and tackler entering into the tackle are also important determinants of the outcome of a tackle. The highest ball velocity is seen for the spiral kick, a kick that is intended to travel maximum distance. The Rugby Union scrum is viewed as an integral facet of the sport and has been the focus of attention from a player welfare and game management perspective.
