unlike most other sports, referees can play advantage after a foul for what can seem an eternity, but once he calls “advantage over” then that’s that.

a tackle, usually of the last-ditch variety, which involves a dive and a slap to the attacker’s ankle which, if properly executed, will result in his legs colliding with each other. Also known as a Tap Tackle.

the group of players normally numbered Nos. 9 to 15 who do not participate in scrums and line-outs, except for the scrum-half.

the name of invitational rugby teams, the most famous based in the UK, drawing the finest players from around the world together to play matches against international teams. Also called the Baa Baas.

the careful method players grip and grasp each other to form a secure scrum, ruck, or maul. This is a critical skill to ensure the safety of players.

from a set piece, ruck or maul, the short side of the field. Also called the Weakside.

the blocking of a kick by an opposition player.

a kick of the ball into touch which relieves pressure on a side under heavy attack.

a feigned pass intended to deceive an opponent about to make a tackle.

the rolling of the ball into the scrum by the scrum-half.