Crouch-Bind-Set Training

1. Crouch-Bind-Set Training Chris Henshall USA Rugby National Panel Referee Fall 2013

2. Crouch-Bind-Set Training • Enhanced player welfare the guiding principle • Stationary platform and straight feeds to be enforced • Support from players and coaches critical to success • The International Rugby Board Council has announced the implementation of a global trial of the “crouch, bind, set” scrum engagement sequence, which is aimed at enhancing player welfare by reducing impact on engagement by up to 25% in elite competition. • Approval of the sequence on player welfare grounds, is coupled with a call for Game-wide commitment from law-makers, match officials, coaches and players to ensure a fair and positive attitude is applied to deal with scrum issues facing the elite level of the Game. • Implementation will begin at the start of the next season in both hemispheres and follows extensive evaluation of the sequence during the recent IRB Pacific Rugby Cup, which indicated the possible delivery of a more stable platform leading to fewer resets and more successful scrums.

3. Crouch-Bind-Set Training In a revision of the 'crouch, touch, set' engagement sequence currently being trailed, props will be expected to bind using their outside arm after the referee has called "bind" in the sequence. Should this trial become incorporated into Law, the text for Law 20.1(g) and (i) would read: 20.1 Forming a Scrum (g) The referee will call "crouch" and then "bind". The front rows crouch and using their outside arm each prop must bind. A loose head prop must bind on the opposing tight head prop by placing the left arm inside the right arm of the tight head and gripping the tight head prop’s jersey on the back or side. A tight head prop must bind on the opposing loose head prop by placing the right arm outside the left upper arm of the opposing loose head prop and gripping the loose head prop’s jersey with the right hand only on the back or side. The props must not grip the opponent’s chest, arm, sleeve or collar. Following a pause, the referee will then call "set" when the front rows are ready. The front rows may then engage. The “set” call is not a command but an indication that the front rows may come together when ready. The sanction for any infringement will be a free kick*. (i) Charging. A front row must not form at a distance from its opponents and rush against them or pull them. *This refers to forming a scrum; other scrum infringements remain

4. Crouch Players & Coaches Referees • On the request to "crouch" all three players across the front row must be at the same height • Both front rows must be at the same height • Shoulders must not be below hips • Second rows must be bound to the props • Check that the number 8 is bound and not standing off to try to increase the force on engagement • Aim for ear-to-ear position • Ensure heads are ready to go into the appropriate slot - no head on head • Form the scrum early • Try to keep feet, hips and shoulders square • Think "big chest" – open and forward • Try to establish a good angle on the hips with knees slightly behind • Spines in line even if you sacrifice some tightness in bind • Torsos parallel to the floor and definitely not shoulders below hips • Keep chin off chest and head in a neutral position • The second line of four players - the locks and flankers - should be fully bound at this stage too • A strong pre-engagement position I s important but there is no need for a hit, as ball cannot be put in immediately and the scrum will need to be stationary • Teams may find that they form up closer to the opposition than previously • Aim for ear-to-ear position • Make sure the front row players do not set up "head-to-head" - try to "sight the slot", i.e., have heads opposite the space they will be engaging with Notes: • "CROUCH“ - Ensure both teams are level. If not bring up the lower team which is normally the defensive team as it is more difficult to hook the lower the scrum is. MANAGE / FK • The LH has to be facing forward and square (not with feet and body at a 45º angle. MANAGE • LH shoulder must be "out", not tucked under the hooker. MANAGE

5. Bind Players & Coaches Referees • Bind high and long if possible • Maintain good shape throughout • Keep head in neutral position; it will almost be "ear-to-ear" to opposition • Maintain balance • It is illegal for a prop to pull an opposition player into the engagement • The tight head binds on the body of the opposition loose head anywhere from the arm pit or along the body • The tight head MUST NOT bind on the shoulder or arm of the opposition loose head • The loose head must bind on the body of the opposition tight head • Assistant referees should check on the binding on the far side from you Notes: • "BIND“ - LH must not bind low on the TH's body and pull them out. PK • TH will bind short (by the LH's armpit) to protect themselves

6. Set Players & Coaches Referees • Encourage your scrum half to talk with the referee to establish when the ball can be put in • Positive transfer of power: strong engagement without charging • Props may need to adjust the feet after engagement, i.e., move them backwards to establish a pushing position • Reshape, then hold the new position • The hooker may need to adjust the feet in order to contest for the ball • When the ball comes in, players can have a driving and pushing contest • Keep the core tight and spines in line throughout • Engage straight and stay straight • Don’t change the bind once engaged • Keep working on players' core stability, body management, pushing and wrestling skills • There will be some movement on engagement and the players will be "loaded" ready to push • Use the voice to stop the movement • Instruct the scrum half not to throw the ball in until the scrum is static • Ensure players are pushing straight and not on an angle • Give signal/voice when scrum square and stationary Notes: • "SET“ - Have to have patience and ensure the scrum is square and steady before you say "Yes 9" - your instinct will be to "get on with it", but say "hold", or "square" or "steady" to get compliance. • Often the defensive scrum will work a 15º left shoulder, straighten it up. FK • The Scrumhalf has to be in the middle, where the 2 front rows meet, not on their team's side of the scrum. MANAGE PRE PUT IN / FK • Defensive Scrumhalf sometimes leans on the putting in Scrumhalf - keep them apart. MANAGE PRE PUT IN/ FK

7. Yes #9 Notes • It appears that the LH has all the power and it's easier for the scrum to wheel/turn clockwise, and very easy to walk the scrum around/illegally wheel the scrum. PK • Allow the SH a moment to put in the ball (1-2s, not 5s). If you expect the SH to put it in immediately when you say "Yes 9", the defensive scrum will read this and push immediately on "Yes 9". FK • If you see the defensive scrum move forward at a 45º angle you should notice the defensive LH boring in and possibly the attacking TH's back bulging or they will pop out of the scrum. PK • The TH can still bring their arm in to twist the LH and take the scrum down. PK

8. Summary • "CROUCH“ - Ensure both teams are level; all three players across the front row • “BIND” - The tight head binds on the body of the opposition loose head anywhere from the arm pit or along the body • "SET“ - Have to have patience and ensure the scrum is square and steady before… • you say "Yes 9"

9. Acknowledgments • iRB • RFU • USA Rugby