Ever watched a rugby match and seen a player dive over the ball after a tackle, only to hear the crowd roar like they just scored a try? That’s the jackal in action. It’s not an animal on the field-it’s a tactic. And if you’ve ever wondered why teams fight so hard for the ball right after a tackle, the answer lies in the jackal.
What Exactly Is a Jackal in Rugby?
The jackal is a defensive move in rugby where a player, usually from the tackling team, arrives at the breakdown immediately after a tackle and tries to steal the ball before the opposition can secure it. The player goes low, gets on their hands and knees, and reaches for the ball while staying on their feet and not using their arms to pull or drag the ball carrier.
This isn’t a random dive-it’s a highly skilled, high-risk move. A successful jackal turns defense into attack in a single motion. Instead of just stopping the opposition, the jackal takes the ball away and gives their team possession. It’s one of the most exciting moments in rugby because it changes momentum fast.
It’s called a jackal because, like the animal, the player is quick, sneaky, and goes for the prize when others aren’t looking. The jackal doesn’t wait for the ruck to form. They strike before the opposition can set up their support players.
How the Jackal Works in Real Play
Let’s say Player A from Team Red is tackled near the sideline. As soon as the tackle is complete, Player B from Team Blue-already moving-drops to the ground, stays on their feet, and reaches for the ball with one hand. Their body is over the ball, but their arms aren’t wrapping around the tackled player. They’re not pulling or twisting. They’re just trying to hook the ball out.
If they get it cleanly, they pop it up to a teammate or roll away and let the next player pick it up. If they fail, the referee will call a penalty if they used illegal technique-like going off their feet, using two hands, or pulling the ball carrier’s legs.
The best jackals aren’t the biggest or strongest players. They’re the ones with the lowest center of gravity, the fastest reaction time, and the best sense of timing. Many of them are flankers or number eights-players who are trained to read the breakdown and move fast.
In the 2023 Rugby World Cup, players like Siya Kolisi and Ardie Savea averaged over 3 jackals per match. That’s not luck-it’s preparation. They watch film, study how opponents release the ball, and position themselves before the tackle even happens.
Why the Jackal Matters in Modern Rugby
Rugby has changed. The game is faster now. Teams don’t just want to gain territory-they want to win the ball back. The jackal is central to that shift.
Before the 2010s, teams would often just form a ruck and push forward. Now, teams train specifically to disrupt the opposition’s ball at the breakdown. The jackal is a weapon in that strategy. It forces the attacking team to make quicker decisions, increases errors, and leads to turnovers.
According to World Rugby’s 2024 match statistics, teams that win more than 35% of their breakdown possessions (mostly through jackals and cleanouts) win 72% of their games. That’s not a coincidence. The team that controls the ball after the tackle controls the game.
Coaches now run breakdown drills every day. Players practice jackaling against resistance bags, timed tackles, and live scenarios. It’s not just about strength-it’s about precision. One wrong move, and you’re penalized. One perfect move, and you change the entire flow of the match.
How to Spot a Legal vs. Illegal Jackal
Not every dive at the ball is legal. Referees are strict about this. Here’s what makes a jackal legal:
- The player stays on their feet throughout the move
- They only use one hand to reach for the ball
- They don’t wrap their arms around the tackled player
- They don’t use their body to crush or trap the ball
- They don’t come in from the side or the back illegally
Here’s what makes it illegal:
- Going off their feet (kneeling or lying on the ground)
- Using two hands to grab the ball
- Pulling the ball carrier’s legs or arms
- Entering the breakdown from the side (not from behind the last foot)
- Blocking a player from accessing the ball
Illegal jackals lead to penalties. And penalties mean free kicks, scrums, or even yellow cards if it’s repeated. That’s why elite players spend hours learning the exact body position needed to be effective without crossing the line.
Who Are the Best Jackals in Rugby Today?
Some players have made the jackal their signature move. Here are a few names you’ll hear in commentary rooms:
- Sam Cane (New Zealand) - Known for his timing and low center of gravity. He rarely gets penalized.
- Tom Curry (England) - Constantly around the breakdown. His jackals often lead to quick ball for England’s attack.
- Sevu Reece (Fiji) - Smaller frame, but lightning fast. He’s a nightmare for teams trying to recycle ball.
- Matias Moroni (Argentina) - Uses his length to reach over rucks and steal the ball cleanly.
These players don’t just rely on speed. They study how the ball is released after a tackle. They watch where the ball carrier’s hands go. They know if the tackler is on the correct side. That’s how they get so many jackals without getting called for it.
Can You Train to Be a Better Jackal?
Yes. And you don’t need to be a pro to start.
Here’s how to train for jackaling:
- Practice low body position drills-get down on your hands and knees, stay balanced, and reach for a ball placed on the ground.
- Work on reaction time. Have a coach or teammate simulate a tackle, then yell "jackal!" and you dive in.
- Watch breakdown footage. Pause it right after the tackle. Ask yourself: Where is the ball? Who’s closest? What’s the next move?
- Train with resistance bands to build core strength. You need to stay stable while reaching for the ball.
- Play 3v2 or 4v3 breakdown games. Limit the time the attacking team has to secure the ball. Force fast decisions.
Most amateur clubs don’t focus on breakdown skills. That’s your edge. If you can jackal cleanly, you’ll stand out in trials, selection camps, and even pick-up games.
Why the Jackal Is More Than Just a Tactic
The jackal isn’t just about stealing the ball. It’s about mindset. It’s about being the first to react, the one who’s always ready, the player who doesn’t wait for the whistle to start playing.
Teams that dominate the breakdown don’t just win more possession-they win the mental battle. The other team starts to hesitate. They hold the ball tighter. They make rushed passes. They lose confidence.
That’s the real power of the jackal. It doesn’t just take the ball. It breaks the rhythm of the opposition.
Whether you’re a player, a coach, or just a fan, understanding the jackal helps you see rugby differently. It’s not just about power and speed. It’s about timing, intelligence, and courage. And sometimes, it’s about one player, on their knees, reaching for the ball-and changing the game.
Is the jackal legal in all rugby codes?
Yes, the jackal is legal in both Rugby Union and Rugby League, but the rules differ slightly. In Rugby Union, the jackal must stay on their feet and can only use one hand to reach for the ball. In Rugby League, breakdowns are less structured, and players can contest the ball more freely, but jackaling is still a key skill. The core principle-stealing the ball legally after a tackle-applies to both.
Can a jackal be done from the side of the tackle?
No. Entering the breakdown from the side or the back is illegal in Rugby Union. Players must approach from behind the last foot of the tackled player or the tackler. Going in from the side is called a "side entry" and results in a penalty. This rule protects players from dangerous collisions and keeps the game fair.
Do you need to be big to be a good jackal?
No. Many of the best jackals are not the biggest players. Speed, timing, and low body position matter more than size. Players like Tom Curry and Siya Kolisi aren’t the tallest or heaviest, but they’re incredibly fast off the mark and have perfect technique. Smaller players often have an advantage because they can get lower and move quicker through the tackle zone.
Why do referees sometimes ignore jackals?
Referees often allow a jackal if it’s clean and doesn’t disrupt the flow of the game. If the player stays on their feet, uses one hand, and doesn’t interfere with other players, the referee may let play continue-even if it’s borderline. This is called "advantage play." The goal is to keep the game moving, so minor infringements are often overlooked unless they affect the outcome.
What’s the difference between a jackal and a ruck?
A jackal happens before the ruck forms. It’s when a player tries to steal the ball right after the tackle, while the ball is still on the ground and before support players arrive. A ruck forms when one or more players from each team bind over the ball on the ground. Once a ruck is formed, the jackal is no longer allowed-players must compete legally within the ruck structure.