rucks

Meanings

1. 1nounpluralsport

   groups of rugby players who are pushing against each other to get the ball

   Grammar: This is the plural of 'ruck' (countable). Use it when talking about more than one such group.

   Patterns

   • rucks form
   • in the rucks
   • win the rucks

   The forwards were strong in the rucks and kept possession.

   Two rucks formed quickly after the tackle.

   He was praised for his work in the rucks.

2. 2nounpluralAmericaninformal

   large bags carried on the back, especially by soldiers or hikers

   Grammar: Plural of 'ruck' in this sense; in American English it is short for 'rucksacks'.

   Patterns

   • pack rucks
   • carry rucks
   • heavy rucks

   The soldiers loaded their rucks with supplies.

   We put on our rucks and started up the trail.

   Their rucks were too heavy for the long hike.

3. 3verbintransitivesport

   forms a ruck in rugby, or struggles in a crowd

   Grammar: Third person singular of the verb 'ruck'; no object is needed.

   Patterns

   • rucks for the ball
   • rucks with someone

   He rucks well and often wins the ball for his team.

   The player rucks against much bigger opponents.

Word forms

Common combinations

win the rucks

The team won most of the rucks in the second half.

form a ruck

A ruck formed as soon as the player was tackled.

carry a ruck

Each soldier had to carry a heavy ruck for ten miles.

ruck up

The players rucked up to protect the ball.

Synonyms and how they differ

scrum

A scrum is a formal restart with players bound together, while a ruck happens during open play.

backpack

A backpack is the everyday word for a bag carried on the back; 'ruck' in this sense is more informal or military.

Word family

ruck noun

The singular form: a group of players or a bag.

rucking noun

The activity of forming rucks in rugby.

Commonly confused: rucks or rucksack?

Practice

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