Rules

Now that you know how the game came to be, it's time you learnt how to play. This page will give you a very basic overview of some of the key rules for rugby union. There are other forms of rugby such as rugby league or touch rugby but these will not be covered in detail here.

The Game

The game of rugby consists of two teams with 15 men on each side. The rugby field is 100 meters long plus an in goal area behind the try line at each end of the ground. There is a set of goals at each end of the field which consists of two upright poles plus a horizontal crossbar.

The Aim

The aim of the game is to take the ball to your opposition's end of the field and touch it down behind the try line. This will score you 5 points. You may run forwards with the ball but you must only pass the ball backwards. Once you have done this you take the ball back directly behind the location where the try was scored and attempt to convert the try by kicking the ball through the goals above the crossbar, this is worth a further 2 points. Teams can score a field goal worth 3 points by dropping the ball to the ground and kicking it through the goals during general play. When an infringement is made, the team that was infringed against can take a penalty kick by placing the ball on the ground and attempting to kick it through the goals, this is also worth 3 points.

The Scrum

A Scrum is formed when a team drops or passes the ball forwards. Eight players from each side interlock together and push against each other in order to win the ball which is placed underneath them.

The Lineout

A lineout occurs when the ball is kicked out the sideline. A lineout is made up of two rows of players spaced one meter apart. The ball is thrown in from the sideline down the middle of the two rows of players where it is contested by either team.

Off-Side

Another rule that can be confusing for beginners is the off-side rule. A player is deamed off-side when he is in front of the ruck that is formed when the player with the ball is tackled. A player is also deamed off-side when their team kicks the ball and they are in front of the kicker.

OK, Confused? the best way to learn is to watch a few games on TV. 
  Before long you will get the hang of it and never look back.