So you're interested in playing some rugby, but not sure what is actually going on during a match? No worries! The sections below should help you get a feel for how the game is basically played and what people actually mean when they say things like "knock on" or "scrum down". The 'basic' category will provide you with a quick gloss of the game and introduce you to some of the bigger facets of the game. The 'advanced' section starts to go into more detail with particular laws and more explanation of various points touched on in the 'basic' section. You can also view the Full Beginner's Guide HERE

Watch a video displaying these rules -

basic guide

Although to the naked eye a game of Rugby Union can appear like a carefully orchestrated riot, this is not actually the case. There are some rules that govern and bind the orchestrated riot to make it, perhaps surprisingly to those new to the sport, very methodical and tactical when played properly. Below is a quick overview of the basics of Rugby Union.

 

Duration:

A rugby match is played over 80 minutes, split into two 40-minute halves generally with a 10 minute half time break.

 

Number of Players:

Each team has 15 players who assume various positions, which play critical parts in the team's play. Eight players make up the forwards or 'pack' (roughly similar to the linemen and line backers in American football) and seven players make up the backs (roughly similar to the backs and "skill positions" in American football). To learn about forwards and backs as well as each individual position click here.

 

How to Play:

The ball can be moved by carrying it in the hands, or kicking at any time during play, but under no circumstances can the ball be passed or made to go forward by the ball carrier other than by kicking the ball. If the ball is hit or passed forward without it being kicked, it is called a 'knock on' and is an infraction which results in a scrum to the opposition.

 

A scrum is used to restart in a number of situations and involves each team's forwards coming together, binding together by the shoulders over the 'mark' and trying to hook the ball back to their team's side once the ball is placed in the channel. This is similar to a tip off in basketball with each team having a chance at winning the ball.   If a ball is kicked or taken out of bounds the ball is restarted by a lineout. This is similar to the throw-in in soccer and works on the same principle.   If a team is awarded a penalty (meaning the other team committed a penalty against them) they have the same three options at every penalty.

 

They can either:

1.     Kick the ball out of bounds and receive a lineout where the ball went out

2.     Take a free kick. The ball only has to be 'kicked' through the mark in this instance. Most teams will typically just tap the ball over the mark to keep better control of it and restart play quickly.

3.     Take a penalty kick at goal (similar to a field goal in American football, but in this instance the defense cannot rush the kicker).

 

In any of this instance, the guilty team must retreat 10 meters from the spot of the foul.

       

The aim of the game is, you guessed it, to score as many points against your opponent as possible while conceding as few as possible.   Points are scored by the following methods: Tries: A try is worth 5 points and is scored by a player touching the ball down into the opponents "try zone” (between the try line and dead ball line). It is the rugby equivalent of the American football 'touchdown'. Tries can also be awarded as penalty tries when an attacking player is illegally kept from scoring a likely try. Conversions: A conversion is awarded when a try is scored and allows the attacking team to gain 2 more points by kicking the ball between the posts of the rugby goal. Again this is the rugby equivalent of American football's 'extra point'. The conversion is usually taken from the line in the field where the try was scored. This means you can back up as far as you would like so long as you are kicking along an imaginary line which runs parallel to the sidelines through the place the ball was touched down. Penalty: A penalty kick scores 3 points and is awarded if a serious foul has been committed. The kick is taken from the spot of the foul or any where behind it on a line through the referees mark. Drop Goal: A drop-goal scores 3 points and is a kick at goal during the run of play, where the ball is kicked just after touching the ground. These can be kicked at any time, from anywhere, by anybody. All that is required is that you literally drop the ball and let it hit the ground first.

 

RUGBY POSITIONS

In Rugby Union there are 15 players who take to the pitch (field) and they fall into one of two categories: forwards or backs. Use the image below for a reference to each of the positions. The image shows how the players would (traditionally) form up at a scrum situation.

 

Forwards-

There are 8 forwards who form the scrum. These are the guys that get stuck in and primarily are there to defend their territory and win any scrums, rucks and mauls and on offense make the hard yards by charging up the field. Forwards are, in short, primarily responsible for securing the ball and presenting it cleanly to the backs in various situations.

 

Backs-

In contrast to the forwards, the backs are the players used primarily to attempt to score the ball and move it forward by various means. Though they should still be involved in rucks in mauls, because they are not involved in scrums and lineouts they are charged first and foremost with making the most of any ball won by the forwards. Both the backs and the forwards are joined together by your scrum half and fly half who act as the tacticians of the game. These two positions control the flow of play between the pack (forwards) and the backs.

 

 

1-Loosehead Prop

Usually one of the stockier players on the field, the Loosehead prop is essential to winning scrums and line-outs. Contrary to popular opinion, the prop position is actually one of the most technically demanding and skill oriented positions on the pitch. It's difficult to win consistently with a bad set of props as securing possession in scrums will be nearly impossible.

 

2-Hooker (aka Hook)

A front row forward who is essential to winning scrums as his job is to hook the ball backwards to his team. Often roves more like a loose forward (Flankers and Eightman) than a tight five player as he is not as responsible for pushing in the scrum (though everyone should push in a scrum ideally).

 

3-Tighthead Prop

With the Loosehead Prop the Tighthead prop will support the hooker in the front row. Similar to his Loosehead Prop colleague he will generally be one of the biggest and stockiest players on the pitch. The Tighthead Prop position is arguably the toughest position on the field to do properly and is the cornerstone of the scrum as the majority of the force of the opposition scrum is channeled through him. It is a supremely technical position as the tighthead prop is at a slight technical disadvantage to the opposition loosehead prop meaning he needs flawless technique to make up the difference.

 

4-Lock (aka Second Row)

You have two Lock forwards. These players tend to be the tallest players on the pitch and are as a result vital at lineout time. They act in similar fashion to the props in that they are sturdy in defense and hard charging on offense. Primarily concerned with winning set pieces, rucks and mauls. The two Locks bind together and fit in between the hooker and props hips and are essential for a strong push in the scrum.

 

5-Lock (aka Second Row)

Same as the #4 Lock forward above.

 

6-Blindside Flanker (aka Wing Forward)

Flankers fit on to the sides of the scrum helping drive on the props but should always be ready to break off immediately from the scrum to chase down the ball. As a member of the Loose Forwards (Flankers and Eightman) the Blindside Flanker is looking to score tries from scrum and line-out situations on offense by either taking the ball directly up in the channel between the forwards and backs or by supporting the Backs. Defensively, covering the blindside channel from Eightman picks and weak side plays is one of the Blindside Flankers most urgent responsibilities.

 

7-Openside Flanker (aka Wing Forward)

The Openside Flanker is a ball winner who can also support backs on attacking runs. His other key job (similar to the Blindside Flankers need to cover the weak side) is to attack the opposition's fly half from scrums (if running a drift defense) and to always be a tireless pursuer of the ball. For both Flankers, but particularly the Openside Flanker, the phrase "always be near the ball" sums up their essential role whether on offense or defense.

 

8-Eightman (aka Number 8)

Appropriately named the number 8, the Eightman sits at the back of the pack (literally the eighth man to fit into the scrum) and, like Flankers, will be looking for loose balls and then supporting his backs when on the attack. Another key responsibility is controlling the ball at the back of the scrum for the scrum half once it has been won.

 

9-Scrum Half

A key position on the pitch. The scrum half is responsible for feeding the ball into the scrum on offense or guarding and pressuring the opposition scrum half on defense. The Scrum Half also typically feeds the ball from scrums to his fly half or other backs. Although usually one of the smallest players on the pitch, he also has to be one of the most physical as he will be getting into the thick of it throughout the game as he plays so close to the opposition forwards and is always around the break down.

 

10-Fly Half

The key decision-maker amongst the backs whose role is to distribute the ball. The Fly-Half is almost guaranteed to be a major point scorer for your side given his frequent time with ball in hand and typically good kicking skills. Fly-Halves should generally be able to pass very well and be able to kick well as they will be called upon to kick the ball and relieve pressure given they typically receive the ball first amongst the backs.

 

11-Left Wing (aka Weakside Wing, Blindside Wing)

Out on his own on the blindside or short side of the field, the Blindside Winger's job is to run like hell when he receives the ball, gain territory and score tries just as like his strong side counterpart. The Winger may not get the ball as often as other backs, but he is designated as the finisher and should look to attack any space opened up for him and score tries. He will also need to have good kicking skills to help support the fullback in making clearance kicks to relieve pressure. Wingers are usually the fastest players on the field given the nature of their job.

 

12-Inside Center

The Inside Center tends to perform a lot of the defensive work for the backs and is integral to getting the ball out wide to the wingers. The Inside Center is typically the largest back if he is being used for lots of crash ball or is one of the most skilled if he is being utilized more as a second Fly-Half, pivot style role.

 

13-Outside Center

Typically very good try scorers and ball carriers, the Outside Center is the last man before the wingers. Typically the Outside Center is used to set up the Winger, but should attack any opportunity in the defensive line first and foremost before passing to the winger.

 

14-Right Wing (Strong Side Wing)

Like the left wing, the Strong Side Winger's job is often to hang around on the periphery until he gets passed the ball at which point he will hopefully make the most of any opportunities given him and score some tries.

 

15-Fullback (aka Sweeper)

The Fullback is the last line of defense as he normally hangs back in defense to cover opposition kicks and as such should have superb tackling skills. Traditionally one of the most athletic players on the field, he should be able to make 50-60 yard dashes to score tries if he is called to fill in the offensive line, but also needs to be able to kick well from deep to help clear the ball and relieve pressure when the opposition is attacking.

 

Collective Terms for Positions

You will often hear several positions categorized together. Here are a few of the most popular general terms that cover several positions at once.

 

Front Row - Refers to the Props and Hooker

Second Row - Refers to the Locks

Tight Forwards, Tight Five, or Front Five - Refers to the Props, Hooker and Locks

Pack - Refers to the Forwards

Loose Forwards or Back Row - Refers to the Flankers and Eightman

Midfield - Refers to the Fly Half and both Centers

Back Three - Refers to the Wingers and the Fullback

View the FULL BEGINNERS GUIDE (PDF 3MB)