Rugby Union - the basics to watch for
Created | Updated Jan 21, 2005
This is a brief overview of the way we play rugby union. I have kept it as free of jargon and as simple as possible but plenty has remained! If you are American you may find it useful to think of it as 2 football defenses on the field at the same time.
The Aim: to score more points than the opposing team, ideally by scoring tries. A try is similar to a touchdown, but you have to put down the ball.
Scoring points: in rugby union a try is worth 5 points, a kick through the posts is worth 3 points. After scoring a try you can kick 2 extra points.
The Teams: each team has 15 players. Every player can catch, pass, kick or tackle. However they have different roles each time the game is restarted, for instance when scrummaging.
Controlling the game: there is a referee with a whistle on the pitch and a touch judge watching from each side of the pitch.
Duration: a game consists of two 40 minute halves. There are no time outs. In real life the referee can stop the game frequently, usually because one of the key points below have been violated and then add on extra time at the end.
Scrums: for minor wrongdoings a referee will stop the game and call a scrum. The ball is awarded to the wronged team. 8 players from each side form a scrum and push against one another. The ball is put in to the middle of the scrum to be hooked (heeled) back.
The key points:
1. You can only throw the ball backwards. If you want it to go forwards you must kick it or carry it.
2. If someone on your side has the ball you must be behind them, not upfield of them.
3. You can only tackle the person carrying the ball. Blocking players who don’t have the ball is not allowed.
4. You must tackle with your hands or arms and shoulders. Body checks, trips, head butts etc are not allowed.
5. You must tackle your opponents below their shoulders.
6. You cannot handle the ball if you are kneeling or lower. You have to let go of the ball when you are tackled to the ground.
7. Any protective gear you wear must be approved by the ref before the game.
8. When an opposing player is stopped you too can make contact and try to steal the ball. This leads to rucking or mauling when several players from each side converge on a tackle to try to keep or turn over the ball.
9. When you do something wrong, a referee can award a scrummage, a penalty, a penalty try, send you off for 10 minutes or send you off for the rest of the game.
