The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word SCRUMMAGE
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
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More clues leading to the result SCRUMMAGE
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "struggle" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case struggle = scrummage.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does SCRUMMAGE mean?
SCRUMMAGE noun- An ordered formation of forwards, typically bending down, binding to one another with their arms, and pushing opponents shoulder to shoulder, in which each side aims to gain control of the ball; a scrum.
- A scrimmage.
- To engage in an ordered formation of forwards in which each side aims to gain control of the ball, as described above.