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.
To view a complete PDF copy of the 2008 IRB Laws on the Game for 15s click here, U19 variations click here, or for 7's click here.
You can purchase a hard copy of the laws for you or your team here.
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.
When the ball is being kicked during a kick off or 22 meter drop out it must be drop kicked.
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:
In any of these 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:
The team that has been scored on always restarts play by kicking to the team that scored the points (except in sevens rugby where the team that scores kicks to the team that was scored on).
Have a question you want answered but didn't see here? Got something to add or that you want to see amended? Let us know about it at RugbyGuide@365-inc.com!
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