Why does a rugby sometimes kick the ball to himself?

Answer 1

2 ways it's done:

One to gain an advantage in an attack by kicking ahead and chasing the ball. The second is slightly different and is part of the penalty system In a penalty where the player decides not to kick for the goal posts they may pick the ball up (the opposing team cannot attack until the ball has been touched by the players boot) and allow their players to run in attack at the last moment they ball holder taps the ball against the boot and passes it to a charging player this is called tap penalty, a second version used to great effect is the "Tap and Go" again the ball holder taps the ball (at the penalty spot given by the referee) with their foot, the ball in effect is kicked back to themselves and they run in attack. Defending players must be 10 metres from that penalty spot, if not they cannot tackle the running ball carrier until they have taken 10 metres. This can cause a second penalty for "Not retiring 10 metres" to be given.