The scrum is a hot topic at the moment. It is generally accepted that while the scrum remains a fundamental part of the game, it is becoming too bigger part of the game, taking up too much time and more importantly, it is not safe. This excellent BBC radio programme looks at how we’ve got to this situation and what can be done to keep the scrummge a contest but make it a safe one.

The Rugby Site’s scrum expert and All Black scrum coach, Mike Cron, features to talk about a trial currently underway in New Zealand at ‘development level’;

“It’s a very subtle change. What it does is, when the referee says ‘touch’, both sets of props have to come through and bind and generally it’s just under the armpit. They’re not allowed to bind anywhere else, except on the body. When the referee says ‘set’ they engage at full noise. After the hit they can readjust their bind as long as it’s within the law”

“All the stats and all of the feedback we’re getting has been positive…”

“…What we found was that there was reduced speed of accelleration, less force is going through them on the ‘hit’, but what they found was that there was more power coming from their feet. The reason being that they are more stable after the hit.”

Click here to listen to the full BBC radio programme [link to BBC website]

What issues are you finding with the scrum at your club or school?