The breakdown is a rugby term for the short period of play just after the tackle and before and during the ruck. During this time, teams compete for possession of the ball, initially with their hands and then using feet in the ruck. The breakdown is a crucial phase of play, as it is where the contest for possession is most volatile.
When a player is tackled, a breakdown occurs, and the tackled player must release the ball. If at least one player from each team is contesting the ball on their feet, a ruck forms. Understanding the breakdown requires a grasp of the roles within it. Key among these are the tackler, the first arriving player (often a flanker), and the jackal. The tackler is responsible for bringing the player down and positioning themselves to contest the ball immediately after. The first arriving player, often a flanker, is responsible for securing the ball for their team. The jackal is the player who clamps onto the ball and attempts to win it back.
Most referees will call "ruck" or "hands away" as soon as the ruck is formed. If a team concedes possession of the ball, particularly at the breakdown, they are said to have turned the ball over to the other team.
