The Essential Guide to Rugby Union: Understanding the Game and Its Rules
Rugby is one of England’s most beloved sports, enjoyed by people of all ages, shapes, and sizes—both men and women alike. Its popularity extends far beyond the UK, with Rugby Union standing as the most widely played form of the game around the world. Whether you’re watching from the stands, cheering from your sofa, or stepping onto the pitch yourself, understanding the basic laws of rugby can greatly enrich your experience of this unique and thrilling sport.
The Kit and the Ball
To play rugby, you’ll need some essential gear. Players wear a jersey, shorts, and boots with studs for grip on the grass. A mouthguard is highly recommended to protect your teeth during the game’s physical contact. The rugby ball itself is distinctive: oval-shaped and slightly egg-like—a design that dates back to the sport’s English origins.
Rugby Union vs. Rugby League
There are two primary versions of rugby: Rugby Union and Rugby League. While both share many similarities, this guide focuses on Rugby Union—the version played by the majority of rugby enthusiasts worldwide.
The Rugby Pitch and Its Markings
A rugby pitch is roughly the same size as a football (soccer) pitch and is marked with various important lines:
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Halfway Line: The game starts or restarts from here after a score.
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10-Meter Line: After a kickoff, the ball must cross this line.
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22-Meter Line: Marks territory closer to each team’s try line.
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Try Line: Crossing this line and grounding the ball earns a try.
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Rugby Posts: Two tall vertical posts with a crossbar stand on the try line.
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Dead Ball Line: Marks the back edge of the in-play area.
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5-Meter and 15-Meter Lines: Used during line outs to position players correctly.
Game Structure and Players
A Rugby Union match consists of two halves of 40 minutes each, with a halftime break of around 10 minutes.
Each team fields 15 players, divided into two groups:
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Forwards (8 players): Handle the heavy work—scrums and line outs.
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Backs (7 players): Typically faster runners who focus on attacking plays.
Key positions include the scrum half, who links the forwards and backs, and the full back, who acts as the team’s last line of defense.
Playing the Ball
Rugby is played with both hands and feet. Most of the time, players carry the ball by hand, but teamwork is vital—passing to teammates keeps the game moving. The crucial rule? Passes must always travel backwards or sideways; forward passes are not allowed. Passes are typically made underhand across the body, but overhand passes are also permitted. Kicking the ball is allowed too—often done to gain ground or to score.
Scoring Points
There are several ways to score in Rugby Union:
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Try (5 points): Achieved by grounding the ball on or behind the opponent’s try line.
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Conversion (2 points): After scoring a try, the team can kick the ball from the ground between the posts and above the crossbar for extra points.
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Penalty Kick (3 points): Awarded for certain infractions. The team can choose to kick for goal, kick to touch for a line out, or restart play.
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Drop Goal (3 points): Scored by dropping the ball on the ground and kicking it immediately after it bounces, sending it between the posts and above the crossbar.
Set Pieces: Scrum and Line Out
When the ball is accidentally thrown or dropped forward, play is restarted with a scrum—a hallmark of rugby’s unique physicality. In a scrum, the forwards from both teams pack together in formation. The scrum half rolls the ball into the middle, and the teams push against each other, trying to move the ball backward with their feet. Players cannot handle the ball while it is in the scrum.
If the ball goes out of bounds, play restarts with a line out. Forwards from both teams form lines between the 5-meter and 15-meter marks. The ball is thrown straight down the middle, and players jump—often lifted by teammates—to catch or tap it to their side’s advantage.
Tackling, Rucks, and Mauls
One of rugby’s defining features is the tackle. Players can only tackle the opponent who has the ball and must do so using their hands, arms, and body—never targeting the neck or head, and never kicking or tackling a player in the air. Dangerous tackles result in yellow or red cards and immediate expulsion from the game.
When a tackled player stays on their feet and is held up by other players, this forms a maul. Both teams compete for the ball within this tight formation. If the maul doesn’t progress, the referee may restart play with a scrum.
If the ball carrier is tackled to the ground, a ruck forms. The tackler must release the tackled player, and the tackled player must release the ball immediately. Players from both sides then bind over the ball, pushing and using their feet to win possession.
Offside and Fair Play
The offside rule is vital in rugby. For example, during a maul, the offside line is set at the heel of the last player in the maul—nobody can join from in front. Entering from the side or ahead is a penalty offense.
Despite its toughness, rugby is built on respect—both for opponents and referees. Players are expected to accept the referee’s decisions without argument. At the end of every match, players applaud the opposition and the officials as a sign of sportsmanship—core values at the heart of Rugby Union.
Getting Started
Rugby is for everyone. Whether you’re five or fifty-five, there’s a place for you on the pitch. Local clubs across England and beyond offer training for new players, ensuring you can learn the game safely and enjoyably.