A ‘jackal’ refers to the act of stealing the ball in rugby. A ‘jackler’ is the person who completes the act. During a tackle, the jackler is the first arriving teammate of the tackler.
Either that, or they are the first player to get hold of an isolated ball carrier while they are on the ground. In other words, the jackler is someone who can get over the ball when the player carrying the ball is down, all before a ruck can be formed.
Are There Rules for the Jackal?
As always. In this case, the jackler is tasked with remaining on their feet to fight for the ball directly. That said, should they be involved in the tackle then they first have to release the ball carrying player clearly before they attempt to take the ball from the attacker on the ground. The jackler will have to support their body weight during their attempt to grab the ball. They must not go to ground and then reset themselves.
When a ruck has been formed, defending players are not allowed to handle the ball. That is unless they were able to gran the ball before a ruck was properly formed. Players, as mentioned in our page about the ruck, must stay on their feet. Any ball-carrying player falling must also release the ball. Rugby referees are asked to reward players who win the race for possession. The jackler, from a match official’s point of view, is required to be in a strong position to attempt to lift, with hands on the ball.
How Players Attempt to Jackal
Things change in sport over time. In rugby, the jackal has been a major talking point in recent years given that it is a skill which has made quite the difference in major games. Not all of what has happened regarding the jackal has been positive. It’s said that this technique is responsible for many more neck or head injuries in the game, all owing to the ambitious positions players are willing to get into.
That being said, jacklers have also been the reason we’ve seen so many more exciting phases of play. Players being able to steal possession of the ball in tight phases of play, securing penalties at crucial times and other factors have led to a swift change in how games are played out.
We’ve already written about the ruck on these pages, and the jackal is all part of a similar phase of play. Players often find that a ruck is formed when an attempt at a jackal doesn’t quite work out. Perhaps this is why, even at the top level, training again and again on the ruck is crucial. Coaches know jackling will happen. Indeed, it’s encouraged. That means specific training techniques for the jackal itself.
Jackler Techniques
In major rugby matches, you may see players using these techniques when attempting a jackal.
Get to Where the Player Will Land Following a Tackle
This isn’t something that can be directly coached, as it’s more about anticipation skills and true understanding of the game. Smart players though can often second guess when this will happen and be able to grab the ball. Coaching wise, lots of rucking and jackal drills are needed to hone these skills.
Win the Battle to Get to Shoulder Height
When a player is approaching a situation in which someone will be tackled, which is almost inevitable, smart ones keep a tight watch on the opposition and drop their body. This gets them to a lower position than the opposition. It’s hugely important that they hold their own body weight and position, a using the hands to support yourself is not allowed.
Keep a Wide Foot Position
Placing the feet wide apart gives players a proper ground base. Much more to the point, it brings the chest naturally lower to the ground, closer to the tackled player and the ball. Keeping the feet wide, which you’ll notice when you watch on TV, supports the players body weight and gets them lower and stronger when the battle at shoulder height begins.
Keep the Ball to the Chest with a Strong Grip
When a player has just been tackled, they will not want to let the ball go without a fight. Things aren’t made easy in rugby, so a jackler will have to tear the ball away hard with the hands and arms. You will usually then see them bring the ball up to their chest to maintain strong control of it.