How to play rugby

Rugby Rules

Rugby is one of the most physical of sports. Internationally the pinnacle of the sport lies in the Rugby World Cup. Other tournaments such as the Tri Nations (including South Africa, New Zealand and Australia), Six Nations (including England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy and France) and the Heineken Cup are other tournaments which are held in high esteem throughout.

Object of the Game

The object of the game is score more points than your opponents in the 80 minute time frame allotted for each rugby match. The team with the greater number of points at full time is announced as the winner. Games may end as a draw.

The team with the ball must move the ball up the field in ‘phases of play’. The ball can never be passed forwards but players can run forwards with the ball or kick the ball forward to chase it down. The opposing team needs to stop the attacking team by tackling and trying to retain the ball.

Players & Equipment

Each rugby team will consist of 15 players. The team is split into two groups known as forwards and backs. There are 8 forwards (positions include Hooker, Prop, Second Row, Flanker and Number Eight) and 7 backs (positions include Scrum Half, Fly Half, Inside Centre, Outside Centre, Wingers and a Full Back).

The pitch is split up into three sections; one main playing area which must not exceed 100 metres and two dead goal areas which can range from 10 to 20 m. The pitch must then be equal to 70 metres wide. The goal posts are in an ‘H’ shape and are roughly 5 to 6 meters apart with no restrictions on height.

Studded boots can be worn along with gum shields, head guards, shoulder pads and shin pads. Each team must wear the same coloured jerseys with matching shorts and socks.

Scoring

Points can be scored by one of four ways:

Winning the Game

To win the game you must score more points than your opponent within 80 minutes. Points can be scored via any of the methods mentioned above.

Beginner’s guide on how to play Rugby | Basics & Rules

Image credits: BCC

Table of Contents

Rugby is a widely popular physical team sport which is played between 2 teams having 15 players each, trying to score points with an oval-shaped ball on a rectangular field with H-shaped goalposts at both the ends. The popular sport is governed internationally by World Rugby. Although World Rugby currently has 101 countries as full members and 18 as associate members, very fewer Indians are aware of anything about the sport. Here’s a beginner’s guide on how to play Rugby and some interesting information about the amazing sport.

History

William Webb Ellis Statue in Rugby city (Image Source: Neil Hail) How to play rugby

History of rugby has always been something of a legend. It’s believed that in 1823 a young boy by the name of William Webb Ellis picked up the ball at a school football game and started running toward the opposition’s goal line. It was at this moment the sport was born. Although this story was never officially told until after Williams death. He’s recognized as the founder of rugby and a statue was erected in his honour in the town of rugby in 1997.

Rugby Kit

How to play rugby; Image Source: Oxford mail

Kit for players in rugby is pretty simple and consistent for all the players. Let us make a start from the bottom and go our way up.

Rugby boots differ slightly from football boots. They have better toe protection, higher ankle support and screwing studs which allow increasing the length of the studs slightly for better traction.

Moving up we have knee-length socks. Like football, shin pads can be worn however it is less common and not mandatory.

Next up, shorts and t-shirt. Nothing special here except that there’s body protection available to rugby players. It goes under the t-shirt and is worn by players depending on their position and injury.

We then come to the gum shield and this is probably one of the most essential pieces of equipment for the rugby player. Being tackled constantly, clashing heads with one another risks getting a knock to the face. A good quality gum shield is absolutely essential.

Finally, we come to the scrum cap. Being in such a physical sport, constantly taking knocks to the head and even requires to put the head in difficult contact areas.

Positions

How to play rugby; Image Source: AIG also

Rugby union team is comprised of 23 players, 15 on the field and 8 substitutes. Players can be split into two categories: 8 forwards (Hooker, Flanker and Number Eight, Second Row, Prop) and 7 backs (Fly Half, Inside Centre, Scrum Half, Outside Centre, Wingers and a Full Back). Players cannot come back to the field once substituted out unless they are out because of a blood injury occurred within 10 minutes of their return.

How the game is played

Dimensions

Dimensions (Image Source: Department of Sports and recreation)

A rugby field is typically between 94 and 100 metres in length from goal line to goal line. Beyond the goal line and at each end we have the Tri scoring areas which range from 10 to 22 metres. A full rugby pitch is typically 68-70 metres in width. The line running down either side of the pitch is known as the touchline and everything outside it is known as in touch. Working from the centre we have the halfway line, a 10-metre line and a 22-metre line and various other markings such as the 5 and 15-metre line (used in plays such as scrums and line outs).

Timing

The game is divided into 2 halves of 40 minutes each, separated by a 10 minutes break time. There are no timeouts or stoppage in between unless the referee stops play during a foul or injury.

Flow of the game

Image Source: Wapn Webb also

We start with a kickoff, each half the match is started with a dropkick from the centre of the halfway line. The non-kicking team must be 10 meters behind the ball when it is kicked and the kick must travel at least 10 meters towards the opposition goal line before hitting the ground. From here the game moves into open play. In the open play, the ball is passed or kicked between teammates with both teams contesting for the ball.

There are two main techniques to put the ball into open space passing and kicking.

The second method is kicking in which a player kicks the ball instead of passing it and the ball can travel forwards. But the ball cannot be received by any teammates in front of the ball at the moment the ball is kicked.

Now that we have looked to open play let’s look at what happens in between. A rugby tackle is grabbing and pulling the player who has possession of the ball to the floor. A tackle cannot be made above shoulder height or else will cause the referee to award a foul. The ball carrier must release the ball immediately after the tackle and the tackler must release the ball carrier. Both players must roll away from the ball which allows other players to come in and contest for the ball.

Scoring

Try (image source: Daily Express)

There are 4 ways to score in a Rugby game.

Basic Rules

How to win

How to play rugby; Image Source: FB also

The team ending with more points at the end of 80 minutes wins the game. Extra time is used if the points scored are even. This is followed by kicking competition in case the score remains tied again.

How to play rugby

Know and understand how to play rugby and feel at home in a rugby game. Basics in a nutshell and advanced topics to help you be your best.

The more you are flexible when you move and think, the quicker you will find it easy to play.

Scroll down the page or Select a topic

Basic rugby play

Aim of the game

You get a try by grounding the ball in the opposition’s ingoal area. Roughly speaking the «in goal» is the area marked out at each end behind the goal posts.

You can also get points by kicking at the goals. It involves kicking the ball both between the uprights and over the cross bar in a number of clearly defined situations.

Score as many tries as possible. The nearer the posts the better. Any player may score a try. you feel terrific when you do it!

The game begins

The ball is kicked to start the game. It’s called the kick-off.

To make things difficult the odd shaped ball must be bounced before you kick it. It`s called a drop kick

The ball must stay in play (not go over the touch lines) and must travel a minimum of 10 metres. A line on the pitch shows this distance.

During general play the team with possession of the ball are allowed to carry, pass or kick the ball.

Moving the ball around the field during play

Any player may carry the ball.

You may carry the ball in two hands. I call it a two hand carry.

Or carry it in one hand or arm. I prefer what I call the one arm carry.

There is no restriction on the number of steps you can take.

There are no limits either, in terms of the time or distance you carry. You may carry it in any direction.

Players in the other team are allowed to tackle, hold, push or grasp the ball carrier but must not tackle or obstruct any other player.

None of your team are allowed to obstruct opposition players, including when they are attempting to to tackle your ball carrier.

Playing the ball with your hands and arms

Throwing, passing or giving the ball.

Usually you will try to make sure it goes to one of your team mates who is in a better position to do something positive with the ball.

Remember, your team wants to get the ball onto the opposition’s goal-line or into their ingoal area.

The only restriction is that the ball must go across field or backwards. Never pass forwards. If your hands are judged to have directed the ball forward it is a «forward pass» and play may be stopped.

Sometimes you may direct the ball backwards but because of your momentum the ball travels forwards. This is not a forward pass and play will continue.

Remember team-mates, pass to them if they are better placed.

Playing the ball with your feet and legs

Any player may kick the ball any distance in any direction.

In general terms, when it`s on the ground you may dribble it, kick it or hook it backwards with your foot. You must do it safely

If you are holding the ball you may place or drop it onto your foot and kick it. Any safe way is allowed. Forwards, upwards, along the ground, over your shoulder are all fine.

You usually kick for tactical reasons.

Generally speaking team-mates should be behind the kicker when the ball is kicked or they will be «off-side» and may give away a penalty.

There are different ways of kicking, suitable for different situations.

Kicking usually gives away possession of the ball to the opposition.

You would only kick to avoid being tackled if you are isolated from supporting team mates and likely to lose possession deep in your own territory.

If the ball stays within the playing area anyone who is «onside» may pick it up and continue playing. If the ball goes over the touchline («goes into touch»), play is restarted with a lineout.

Any player may attempt to score points by kicking a dropped-goal (field goal) during general play. This is done fairly infrequently.

Other general play and stoppages

Play is continuous unless the rules are broken or the ball goes out of the field of play.

From time to time knots of players form spontaneously and become involved in contests for possession of the ball.

When the ball is touching the ground it`s called a ruck and players must bind together and attempt to gain possession by pushing and stepping over the ball (rucking).

Even when the rules are brken play might continue if that is an advantage for the opposing team. If there is no advantage a penalty kick is awarded for a serious offence or a scrum is set up for a minor offence.

A scrum is when the 8 forwards from each team pack down, head to head in one mass. The ball is put into the centre of the mass and the players attempt to win control with their feet and legs. No handling in the scrum!

Play also stops when the ball goes out of play over the touch-lines. It is restarted with a lineout where the ball is thrown in between the two lines of opposing players who leap to catch it.

Find out where you will fit in

You need to know where you fit in.

Rugby is a good game for people of all shapes, sizes, qualities and skills. Look at these details about rugby teams players to see where you fit in.

You may find it useful to find the individual skills and qualities needed for each of the rugby positions you may play.

There are basic skills you need for every position.

Find out more get a quick feeling for the skills.

Whizz through the skills pages now or make a note to do it soon, so they will be in the back of your mind working away at what you need and how you become good at

holding the ball

and holding onto the ball, you carry it well as you move around the field. Prepare for catching and passing. Find handling in core skills.

catching the ball

passing the ball

in all sorts of ways for all sorts of reasons. Make sure you have good passing skills so you make passes your team-mates catch, whatever the situation.

kicking the ball

when you start the game, score points, gain ground, find touch, cause trouble, break defences, score a try. Be spot on with your kicking.

getting away from tacklers,

Again, individual skills are the most important part of playing rugby.

You must put in the time and repetitions to make your skills second nature. Create an enjoyable way to do it.

Advanced play

Attacking

When your team has the ball and you know how to play, you want to score tries.

Know as much as possible about how you control the ball.

When you have the ball, treasure it.

Controling the ball means you can use your skill and knowledge to to choose when and how you start an attack.

When you are attacking it`s important you know how to avoid tackles. If you do, you just may create «something from nothing»

Defending

When they have the ball they can score. You must stop them!

Find out how you produce solid defence, avoid weak points and deal with difficult situations.

Backing up

You will enjoy yourself when you look into when and how you provide quality support.

Support play is about what you do when you don’t have the ball and how you can help your ball carrier.

When you provide excellent support you stay alert, you are a key player in the game.

You make it much more likely you will make good decisions when you carry the ball forward.

Learn about support play so you know what you can and cannot do when play breaks down, for example when a tackle has taken place.

When the flow of the game breaks down and you are allowed to enter contests for the ball you need to know what to do. One example is when rucks form.

Set pieces

Another major aspect of playing rugby is the set piece. Lineouts and scrums are set pieces, used to restart play.

At the lineout set piece

When the ball «goes into touch» play stops.

Forwards from the two teams compete in a mini contest for the ball involving communication between players, timing, power for the jumping players, strength for lifting players and a great co-ordinated effort.

At the scrum set piece

When rules are broken in a minor way and no penalty is awarded, play is restarted with different kind of mini contest. This involves technique, weight, strength, cordination and cooperation.

Better play

You may say to yourself «I want to be good at rugby» or «I want to play better» or «I want to be the best rugby player I can be».

Absorb every page of this website for a start.

. and I`m not really kidding, either!

You will soak up valuable stuff here, stuff you will find nowhere else. Make sure you come back here (press CTL/d to bookmark pages).

But use the rest of the internet of course! Use a variety of sites and dig out the information you need.

Use the information well. Apply yourself well and you will improve.

But is it? Yes and no. Just like anything else, it`s always worth knowing a bit more about how you do it.

Timing and mind games

You feel great when you arrive at just the right time and just the right place to catch a pass, make a pass, make a tackle or make a break through the opposition line.

You will improve rapidly when you have good timing.

Minds can play tricks when you are under stress, especially on the rugby field.

You`ll find out how to affect other players, how to get them worried, make them hang off tackles or rush in too soon when you understand perception is an important part of how you play.

Gather playing experience

Spend time training and playing games of rugby and you gather experience. Over the years you build up valuable knowledge about all sorts of things related to rugby and life in general.

You can speed up the process, perhaps avoid some pain and enjoy your rugby more when you learn from other peoples` experience.

You may find you do that here when you absorb the information on this website. Much of it you will not find elsewhere.

Measure progress

One way to set goals and keep track of performance is to be aware of and use the gain line (also called the «advantage line»).

Getting around in a game

Yes, you are running, but when you do it in a game of rugby it`s different.

It`s good to be fast but there`s more to it than that.

Keep one step ahead

If you were a mind reader or a clairvoyant it would be very useful in rugby. You would have a good idea what was going to happen next.

You`d be one step ahead of the opposition.

Be sure you have «vision»

Some player positions need it more than others. All players need it.

A good style of rugby

There is a fantastic style of rugby where the ball is kept moving from player to player for long periods of play.

The ball is not allowed to die.

Additional information

When you are starting out in something new it`s useful to gather information from a number of different sources.

To help you find out more I`ve included a few tips on how to find out more about rugby and have given details of some places to look.

Tips on what to avoid

There are a couple of things worth avoiding in rugby.

Tackles are a major part of rugby.

When you are able to avoid them you have a fantastic advantage.

Just so you know what you can do with sidesteps, watch this short video. It`s a vital part of play.

It`s something else and nowhere else!

Summary of how you play rugby

Continually focus on controlling the ball and scoring points.

Play is continous unless the ball goes out of play or a player breaks the rules.

Even then play might continue if the other team gets an advantage.

Focus on fitness and good individual skills including sidestepping

Do it alone if necessary or with a few friends. Hone your skills! Do this and you`ll always find a game.

How to Play Rugby: 10 Tips for Beginners

Rugby is an extremely popular international sport that’s played at a high level all over the world, and is becoming increasingly popular here in the United State. For those of you just starting out and interested in learning how to play rugby we have complied 10 tips that will get you out on the pitch in no time at all.

10 Tips for How to Play Rugby

Buy Yourself a Rugby Ball

One of the simplest tips when looking at rugby for beginners is to go out and buy a rugby ball. The best players in the world are able to use dummies and ball fakes to beat their opponents and make space for their teammates. The game also relies on the ability of the player to pass equally well with their dominant and non-dominant hands, so getting a ball and just passing for hours with a friend is a must when starting the game.

Learn by Playing

There are some games you learn by watching from the sidelines. When beginning rugby however it is important to get on the field as much as possible. Sure, the game will feel like it is being played at 100 miles per hour and you will be dog tired after 10 minutes of chasing the ball. Over time though everything will start to slow down and the patterns and techniques within the contest will become more and more obvious. Whether it be full games, scrimmages or touch, playing rugby is very important for newbies.

Don’t be Afraid to Ask Questions

Sometimes learning a new game can be very intimidating. Rugby though is unique in the sports world in the brotherhood and camaraderie that it promotes. Plenty of this is probably down to the traditional beer flow after the games, but rugby players worldwide are a friendly bunch who always seem ready to help a new player learn the game. When it comes to beginning rugby the only dumb questions are the ones you don’t ask.

Have the Right Rugby Equipment

Don’t Think its Football

It is interesting that when people see rugby they assume that playing the game is very similar to playing football. In truth though, outside of the contact aspects the two sports are really not all that similar. Instead it is often former soccer and basketball players (field vision) and wrestlers (tackling technique) that make the transition to the sport the smoothest.

Learn Basic Rugby Rules

While learning how to play rugby, it can look complex and daunting at first the basic rules are really not that difficult to grasp. Passing backwards is obviously a given, while new players should also quickly learn about knock-ons, offside and illegal play in the rucks and mauls. With those basics grasped the game will become a lot clearer and, importantly, a lot more fun.

Watch as Many Games as you Can

While getting out and playing games is massively important, it is equally helpful to watch as much footage as possible from around the world. The internet has made this a lot easier with countless games being hosted on YouTube. In addition ESPN has picked up the rights to some of the greatest club competitions in the world so there is no longer an excuse to not watch the game you are learning. Watch critically and study how the players at your position move on and off the ball to be in the right place at the right time and have an impact on the game.

Find a Local Rugby Club

Rugby is one of the fastest growing sports in the USA and that will only continue to be the case now that it will be played in the Olympics. As a result there are clubs, both established and new, all over the country with a new professional league also in the picture. All these clubs though are looking for new blood and new players, so get onto USARugby.com and find where your local team practices. Getting affiliated with a rugby club is a key step for beginning rugby players.

Play a Rugby Video Game

Many a teenager believes they can be an NFL head coach thanks to the Madden franchise. The options when it comes to rugby video games are certainly more limited, but finding and playing one will certainly help with understanding how to play rugby and the nuances of the game. The tactile nature of video games actually makes them a pretty useful learning tool in certain situations and games in the past have also had a rugby for beginners section that is worth checking out too.

Don’t Assume you are the Wrong Size

There is no such thing as the wrong size in rugby. It truly is the most inclusive game in the world as it can be played effectively by any body type. There is an assumption that you have to be big, like former linebacker big, to play rugby, but some of the best wingers and scrum halves in the world are not even close to six feet tall. Good coaches will see talent in players and fit them into a position that best suits their size and athletic skill set.

That’s it for our basic overview of how to play rugby. This is a game I fell in love with over 20 years ago and one that I am still playing to this day. It is a great sport for action, fitness and friendship, so follow these tips and soon you will understand exactly why “Saturday’s a rugby day”.

All you need to know about Rugby Sevens

What is rugby sevens and how do you play it?

Rugby sevens is an abbreviated form of rugby, featuring two teams of seven players. Played on a full-size rugby pitch, the opposing teams compete to score points via tries, conversions, penalties and drop goals. The winning team is the one with the most points at the end of the match.

How do you play rugby sevens?

Rugby sevens is played on the same sized pitch as 15s rugby, and the object of the game is the same: to move the ball into your opponent’s end of the field and score points via tries, conversions and, very occasionally, penalties and drop goals.

As in 15s, the ball must be passed backwards and can be moved up the pitch by running, passing or kicking it. Each team consists of seven players, three forwards and four backs.

How long is a rugby sevens game?

When is sevens rugby played?

Rugby sevens was traditionally played at the end of the season, however, it is now played all year round. The HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series season runs from October until June. Read about the history of sevens here.

Why is it called rugby sevens?

Rugby sevens is so called because it features teams of seven players. Originally called seven-a-side rugby when it was first played in Melrose, Scotland in 1883, the name has since been abbreviated to rugby sevens, or just sevens. You can find out more about the history of sevens here.

When did rugby sevens start?

Rugby sevens was first played in the Scottish border town of Melrose in 1883, as part of a fundraising drive for the local club. Apprentice butcher Ned Haig and his master David Sanderson are credited with the idea of cutting teams to seven players and playing matches of seven minutes each way, albeit they proposed only a one-minute break. Today’s law book states the half-time interval should not exceed two minutes.

Who invented rugby sevens?

Rugby sevens was invented in Melrose, Scotland in 1883 when apprentice butcher Ned Haig and his master David Sanderson suggested playing seven-a-side matches of 15 minutes (seven minutes each way with a one-minute half-time break) to cut down the costs of hosting a fundraising tournament. Read more about the history of rugby sevens here.

How long are halves in rugby sevens?

What are the rules of rugby sevens?

Sevens is governed by the laws of rugby union, subject to several variations. The difference in laws relate to the number of players on a team and the duration of matches, but also, among others, how conversions are taken and which team restarts once a try has been scored. You can find a full breakdown of the law variations here.

Who is the best rugby sevens team?

Fiji are the current men’s Olympic champions and have a rich pedigree in the game, however, New Zealand are the most successful sevens nation.

The All Blacks Sevens have won three Rugby World Cup Sevens and 13 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series titles, and currently hold both crowns. The Black Ferns Sevens, meanwhile, have won two RWC Sevens and six of the eight women’s editions of the World Series.

Who are the fastest rugby sevens players?

Isles — seventh on the all-time list of men’s World Series try scorers — has a personal best in the 100m of 10.13 seconds, while Williams is a former sprinter who previously clocked a time of 10.1 secs over 100m at the Australian Athletics Championship.

New Zealand’s Portia Woodman, meanwhile, has been clocked running at 31kph on the World Series. That would equate to a time of around 11.6 secs over 100m, less than half a second outside the women’s qualifying time for Tokyo 2020. Not bad in rugby boots!

What is the difference between rugby and rugby sevens?

Rugby sevens is an abbreviated format of rugby. It is played on the same size pitch as 15s but features two teams of seven players, with matches consisting of two halves of seven minutes. You can discover more about sevens here.

How many players are on a rugby sevens team?

A rugby sevens team consists of seven players, three forwards and four backs. As it is played on a full-size rugby pitch, those players need to be incredibly fit and have plenty of speed, skill and stamina. Learn more about positions in sevens and the demands of the game on its players.

How are points awarded in rugby sevens?

As in 15s, the object of sevens is to move the ball into your opponent’s territory to score tries. Five points are awarded for a try, with the subsequent conversion worth an extra two. In the event of a penalty try, the scoring team is awarded seven points with no need for a conversion. Penalties and drop goals are each worth three points. Find out more about scoring points in rugby here.

What are the positions in rugby sevens?

Each sevens team consists of three forwards and four backs. Due to fitness requirements, the differences between positions are not as pronounced as in 15s. However, a team’s more physical players will invariably play as forwards, while its quickest members will line-up out wide, with a scrum-half and fly-half knitting things together. Learn more about positions in both sevens and 15s here.

What happens if there is a tied game in rugby sevens?

What happens when a sevens match is drawn depends on the stage of the tournament. If a tie occurs during the pool stage of a competition, then the teams will share the points. However, if a knockout match is drawn the teams will contest sudden-death extra-time.

The team that scores the first points in the extra period is declared the winner, without any further play. You can read about the laws of rugby and the variations for sevens here.

What is Rugby World Cup Sevens?

Rugby World Cup Sevens is an international sevens tournament that was first played in Edinburgh in 1993. Since RWC Sevens 2009, the event has featured the best men’s and women’s teams on the planet.

New Zealand have won the men’s title three times and the women’s twice, making them the most successful nation in tournament history. Read more about the story of RWC Sevens here.

How often is Rugby World Cup Sevens?

Rugby World Cup Sevens is played every four years. There were five years between RWC Sevens 2013 and the next tournament in 2018 to ensure that it fit in the middle of the Olympic cycle.

What is the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series?

The HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series is an annual competition that consists of a number of tournaments held around the world. Men’s and women’s teams compete at events for series points, and an overall champion is crowned at the end of the season. Read more about the World Series here.

Why is rugby sevens in the Olympics and 15s rugby isn’t?

The vibrant and exciting format of sevens reinforces the Olympic movement’s ideals thanks to rugby’s long standing ethos of fair play and friendship. Read more about sevens and the Olympics here.