Ruck Clean-Out Channel

Setup

A 20m x 20m grid divided into channels, with pairs of defenders holding hit shields spaced down each channel. Groups of five attackers, three or four balls, twelve cones.

How to run it

1. Your group advances down the channel; player one makes contact with the first defender pair and releases the ball, players two and three clear out the shields from the ruck, player four secures and passes to player five who becomes the runner and engages the next pair.
2. Rotate roles as you go.
3. Approach with depth and timing - you cannot generate leg drive from a standing start beside the ruck, and that depth cue is the whole drill.
4. Do 6 full channel runs per group across 3 rounds, swapping attack and defence between rounds.
5. Nominate someone to referee the gate every rep.