In rugby, the breakdown is a short period of play that occurs just after a tackle and before and during the ruck. During this time, teams compete for possession of the ball, initially with their hands and then using feet in the ruck. The breakdown is a crucial part of the game and the most volatile form of contest in rugby. The breakdown has traditionally been the area of the game where loose-forwards have been dominant, but in recent years, every player on a rugby team has been required to have the same breakdown skills.

The breakdown can be divided into two types: the attacking breakdown and the defensive breakdown. The attacking breakdown arises when the ball carrier goes to ground and may be the result of the ball carrier being tackled or a tactical ploy without being tackled. When the ball carrier goes to ground, a decision must be made by the attacking team on how many players to commit to the attacking ruck to retain possession if required. The defensive breakdown arises when the ball player goes to ground as the result of a tackle or a tactical ploy. If a ruck is not formed, then the defending team must decide how to compete for the ball. If a ruck is formed, then a decision must be made by the defensive team either individually or collectively.

To understand the breakdown, coaches and players must be aware of the laws of the game that relate to the breakdown contest. The breakdown aspects need to be clear to each individual, and coaches should focus on the two attackers and two defenders to start with. Each players technical requirements should be broken down and taught.