Following is a guide on the collapsing scrum, exploring the reasons and consequences of this very dangerous manoeuvre.

A scrum can collapse for many reasons, whether technical or pre-planned. Some of the most severe rugby injuries have been as a result of a collapsed scrum.

A scrummage leaves the front row of players (namely the props and hookers) extremely vulnerable to injury, as their arms are bound. If a scrum collapses, the front row players are forced into the ground, often head, neck and shoulder first.

Collapsing scrums can easily be prevented through proper training on behalf of the coaches, and proper technique used on behalf of the players.