How to Play Rugby

The Game of Rugby

Rugby is a simple game*, complicated in spectators’ minds by American football and soccer rules.  The objective – move the ball forward through running, kicking and backward passes so it can be placed in the opponent’s goal for a try or kicked through their uprights for a penalty or drop goal.

Rugby football emerged from Association football – soccer – in the first half of the Nineteenth Century.  Legend states that Rugby School student William Webb Ellis “who with a fine disregard for the rules of football as played in his time first took the ball in his arms and ran with it, thus originating the distinctive feature of the rugby game” in 1823.  The first set of written rules for Rugby Football was taken down in 1845 and the game has flourished ever since.  The sport thrives in places such as England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, France, New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, Argentina and the Pacific Islands.

The game is played by two 15-per-side teams with an egg-shaped ball for 80 minutes in two 40-minute halves.  The primary method of scoring is running the ball into the opponent’s try-zone and grounding it for five points.  After a try is scored a conversion is kicked for an additional two points.  Points may also be scored by a drop-goal (three points) or a penalty kick (three points).

The vast array of skills required to play rugby make it a sport suitable for all types.  Speed, handling and kicking skills are best for backs while forwards require more power and aggression.  American football, soccer, basketball, hockey, lacrosse and wrestling all require skills easily adapted to rugby.

*While open play in rugby requires as much athleticism, skill and grace as any sport, contact and restarts could be considered unusual.  Areas typically confused by newcomers include:

Scrums : To restart the game after a minor infraction such as a forward pass, the team’s eight forwards bind together and drive against each other to battle for the ball.
Lineouts : After the ball goes out of bounds, the non-offending team is allowed throw the ball back in with the other team contesting for it.  Supporters from both teams lift a teammate in the air to challenge for the ball.
Rucks : After a tackle is made, the ball carrier must release the ball so it is playable by either team.  Supporting players on both teams compete for the ball by driving over it and positioning it on their side of play.