This blog will provide an overview of the sport, including the basic rules of rugby union, history, equipment needed, players and positions, scoring and how to win the game.
Rugby union is a physical and fast-paced game that requires players to be in top condition and have a strong understanding of the rules and strategies.
The Basics
Rugby union is a sport that is played by two teams of 15 players each on a rectangular field. The objective of the game is to score more points than the opposing team. Points can be scored by carrying the ball over the opponent’s goal line (a try) or by kicking the ball between the opponent’s goal posts (a conversion, penalty kick, or drop goal). The team that scores the most points wins the game.
History of Rugby Union
Rugby union has its roots in the sport of football, which was played at English public schools in the 19th century. The first official rugby match was played in 1823 at Rugby School in England, hence the name, Rugby. The sport quickly spread to other countries, including Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. The first international match was played between Scotland and England in 1871. The sport’s governing body, World Rugby, was founded in 1886.
Equipment Needed
The basic equipment needed for rugby union includes a rugby ball, boots with studs or cleats, and a mouthguard. The rugby ball is similar in shape to the ball used in NFL both described as prolate spheroid shape. Check out the rules of NFL here.
Players also typically wear a shirt, shorts, and socks that are specific to their team. The shirt has a number on the back to identify the player, and the shorts and socks are usually the same colour as the shirt. Some players may also wear additional protective gear, such as a scrum cap or shoulder pads.
Players
Rugby union requires players to have a combination of speed, strength, and skill. The 15 players on a team are divided into eight forwards and seven backs. The forwards are responsible for the scrums, lineouts, and rucks, while the backs handle the ball and score most of the points. Each position has specific responsibilities and skills, including the hooker, prop, second row, back row, scrum-half, fly-half, centre, and wing.
Rugby Union Positions
Forwards
Hooker: The hooker is responsible for throwing the ball in at the lineouts and for the team’s scrum. The hooker is typically a smaller, agile player who is good at quick movement.
Prop: Prop’s help the hooker with the scrum and provide support to the other forwards during the game. They are usually bigger and stronger players.
Second Row: This player is responsible for winning the ball at the lineout, and for providing support to the forwards during the game. They are usually taller and stronger players.
Back Row: The back row also provides support to the other forwards during the game and has to win the ball at the breakdowns. As most forwards are taller and stronger players.
Backs
Scrum-half: They receive the ball from the forwards at the scrum and lineout, and then pass the ball to the backs. They are smaller, agile players who are good at quick movement and handling the ball.
Fly-half: The fly half is responsible for directing the team’s attack, and for kicking the ball for points. Fly-half’s are taller, stronger players who are good at passing the ball.
Centre: This player runs with the ball and provides support to the other backs during the game. They are usually taller, stronger players who are good at handling the ball.
Wing: The wing is responsible for running with the ball and providing support to the other backs during the game. This position lends itself to faster and more agile players who are good at running with the ball.
Fullback: This player is responsible for providing support to the other backs during the game, and also for covering kicks. Similar to Wing’s they are faster and more agile players who are good at running with the ball.
Each position in rugby union plays an important role in the game, and players need to have a combination of speed, strength, and skill to succeed in their position.
How the Scoring Works
In rugby union, there are several ways to score points. The most common way is by scoring a try, which is awarded when a player carries the ball across the opponent’s goal line or grounds it in the in-goal area (the area behind the goal line). A try is worth 5 points. After a try is scored, the scoring team has the opportunity to kick the ball between the opponent’s goal posts, known as a conversion, worth 2 points.
Penalty Kicks, worth 3 points are given if the opponent team commits a foul. Finally, a drop goal is scored by dropping the ball on the ground and then kicking it between the opponent’s goal posts in open play. A successful drop goal is worth 3 points.
It’s worth noting that, in rugby union, a team can choose to take a scrum rather than a Penalty kick, if they feel the scrum will give them a better chance of scoring points.
Scrums and Rucks
A scrum is a way to restart play after certain types of stoppages such as a minor technical infringement, a forward pass or the ball going out of bounds. It is formed by the eight forwards from each team binding together and then pushing against each other in an attempt to win possession of the ball.
A ruck is formed when one or more players from each team come together over the ball on the ground. Players in a ruck can only use their feet to try to win possession of the ball and not their hands.
Types of Fouls
Rugby has lots of rules around tackling, scrums and rucks. The main purpose of these is to ensure the safety of all players. These include:
Tackling a player without the ball: Players are only allowed to tackle opponents who are in possession of the ball. Tackling a player without the ball can result in a penalty.
Dangerous tackles: Players are not allowed to tackle opponents in a dangerous or reckless manner. This includes tackles that are high, that involve contact with the head or neck, or that involve flipping the opponent over. Dangerous tackles can result in a penalty or a yellow card (a temporary dismissal).
Ruck and maul infringements: When players contest for possession of the ball on the ground, they form a ruck or a maul. There are several specific rules that apply to rucks and mauls, such as the requirement to use only your feet to play the ball and the prohibition to use your hands. Infringements of these rules can result in a penalty.
Scrum infringements: Scrums are used to restart play after certain types of stoppages. There are several specific rules that apply to scrums, such as the requirement for all players to bind together properly and the prohibition of collapsing the scrum. Infringements of these rules can result in a penalty.
Offside: Similar to soccer (football), players are not allowed to be in front of the ball or an opponent who is carrying it, unless they are within 3 meters of a ruck or a maul. If a player is offside, the opposing team is awarded a free kick.
Foul play: Any action that is considered violent or abusive can result in a yellow card or a red card (a permanent dismissal). This can include striking an opponent, using offensive language, or making racial or sexist comments.
These are only a few examples of the many rules of rugby union. The sport is known for its physicality, but safety is a priority, and players are expected to adhere to the rules and play fair at all times.
Winning the Game
In order to win a game of rugby union, a team must score more points than the opposing team. The game is divided into two 40-minute halves, with a halftime break of 15 minutes. If the score is tied at the end of the second half, the game may go into extra time. The team that scores the most points during extra time wins the game.
Rugby union is a sport that has a rich history and a strong following around the world. We hope that you now have an increased understanding of the rules of Rugby union and positions that you will appreciate this physically demanding sport as much as we do.
Have a read of the rules of AFL (Aussie Rules), a sport that was based off of rugby. Or check out upcoming games and fixtures here!
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