In rugby what does being on the front foot mean?

Answer 1

When the ball comes to the backs quickly from the forwards who (whether it is a scrum, maul, pick-and-go, or blowing over a ruck) are moving forward, then this ball is known as 'front foot' ball. This is because it enables the backs to be already starting to move forward when they receive the ball and are therefore on the 'front foot'. Attacking when receiving front foot ball is easier and much more effective than trying to attack from a standing start or going backwards (on the back foot).