new to rugby?
1. Types of Rugby – Rugby is played around the world in two main versions of the game: Olympic Rugby and 15s. Olympic Rugby is played with seven players on a side for two seven-minute halves. This version of the game will be found in the Olympic Games in 2016. The more traditional version of the game is 15s where games are played with 15 players for two 35-40-minute halves. There are also both contact and non-contact versions of the game. |
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2. Continuous Game - Similar to the game of soccer, rugby is a continuous game where the ball is constantly moving and play will not stop unless a team has scored, the ball goes out of bounds, or a penalty is given. Unlike football, tackling in rugby is a great thing and play will continue after a tackle is made!
3. Passing - The game of rugby is played with lateral and/or backwards passing. At no time in the game is a forward pass allowed. If a forward pass is made, a scrum will be awarded to the opposing team.
4. Scoring Points - Scoring points in rugby can occur through the following four ways:
The 15 players for each team are on the pitch at all times and play both attacking and defending roles unlike American Football which has offence, defence and special teams that alternate depending on possession.
The team is divided into two packs, the Forwards (8 players) and Backs (7 players) and they can stand in any position on the field of play as long as they remain onside. The exception is set piece plays when rugby rules stipulate where each player should be in relation to the ball and opposition.
The players wear rugby jerseys with the numbers 1-15 on the back. The number stays with the rugby positions and not the player as it can do in other sports so the hooker is always number 2 for example. The numbers were introduced in 1920s as a way for coaches to rate the players.
Teams can call on substitute players with team numbers (16-23) to cover rugby positions where players are injured, tired or as impact players to turn a match around or close down an opposing team in a close game.
3. Passing - The game of rugby is played with lateral and/or backwards passing. At no time in the game is a forward pass allowed. If a forward pass is made, a scrum will be awarded to the opposing team.
4. Scoring Points - Scoring points in rugby can occur through the following four ways:
- Score a Try - 5 points – This occurs when a team touches the ball to the ground in the opposing team’s try zone.
- Kick a Conversion – 2 points – After a try is scored, the scoring team has a chance to kick through the uprights for 2 points.
- Take a Penalty Kick – 3 points – A team has the option for a penalty kick through the uprights after the opposing team has committed a penalty.
- Drop Goals – 3 points – Drop goals can occur during open play at any time and from anywhere on the field. The ball must be drop-kicked in order to count.
- Scrum – A scrum is awarded after a minor infringement of the rules such as a forward pass. In 15s, a scrum occurs with eight players from one team going head to head with eight players from the opposite team. A scrum is similar to a jump ball in basketball.
- Lineout – When the ball goes out of bounds, play is restarted with a lineout. This contest for the ball will involve players being lifted in the area in hopes of recovery.
The 15 players for each team are on the pitch at all times and play both attacking and defending roles unlike American Football which has offence, defence and special teams that alternate depending on possession.
The team is divided into two packs, the Forwards (8 players) and Backs (7 players) and they can stand in any position on the field of play as long as they remain onside. The exception is set piece plays when rugby rules stipulate where each player should be in relation to the ball and opposition.
The players wear rugby jerseys with the numbers 1-15 on the back. The number stays with the rugby positions and not the player as it can do in other sports so the hooker is always number 2 for example. The numbers were introduced in 1920s as a way for coaches to rate the players.
Teams can call on substitute players with team numbers (16-23) to cover rugby positions where players are injured, tired or as impact players to turn a match around or close down an opposing team in a close game.
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Front row
#1 & #3 Prop
#6 & #7 Flanker
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