Rugby. A game described as a mortal’s clash of the Titans.
If you’re new to the game, rugby union rules might be a little bit confusing. You might, for example, wonder why the game keeps stopping; whether there’s actually any difference between a ‘ruck’ and a ‘maul’; and what is a scrum in rugby? Don't worry! thanks to our rugby for beginners guide you will be able to enjoy the game in no time!
Rugby Union plays host to some the biggest sporting tournaments in the world. Some of these include the Guinness Six Nations which takes place every year between various nations around Europe. The Rugby World Cup which takes place every four years. Other tournaments include the Autumn Nations Series where some of the biggest countries in the sport go head-to-head round the world. There is international rugby as described in the previous tournaments and there are also domestic leagues. Such domestic leagues around the world include Premiership Rugby where the top 14 teams compete with other clubs within their country and fierce rivalries are shared.
And, once you’ve learnt the basic rules to the game, watching a rugby game is actually a lot simpler than you think.
The Basics of Rugby Union Rules
The aim of the game is to carry the ball over the opponent’s goal line and force it to the ground to score. Simple, right?
Well, not quite. To go forward, you can only pass backwards. You can kick the ball forward but your team mates must be behind the ball at the moment it’s kicked.
Rugby Union Scoring
There are four ways you can score points in a game of rugby:
•Try (5 points): A try is scored when the ball is forced to the ground over the opponent’s goal line. A penalty try can be awarded if a player would have scored but for a foul played by the opposition.
•Conversion (2 points): Once you’ve scored a try, you can add two further points by kicking the ball over the crossbar from a place in line with where the try was scored.
•Drop Goal (3 points): Scored when a player drops the ball onto the ground and kicks it over the cross bar in open play.
•Penalty (3 points): A team may choose to kick at goal if a penalty is awarded after an infringement by the opposition.
The Line Out in Rugby
If the ball goes off the field at the side, a line out is used to restart play.
The forwards assemble in two lines, one metre apart. The hooker throws the ball down the corridor between the two lines and the player who successfully catches the ball can either keep it and set up a maul or pass it on.
In order to get the high throws in the lineout, the catcher is lifted by their team mates whilst jumping to catch the ball. The opposition cannot touch a catcher whilst he’s in the air, and holding, shoving or levering are all offences punishable by a penalty kick.
The Scrum
The scrum is another means of restarting play. It is used if there has been a minor infringement (e.g. if the ball is passed forward), or if the ball becomes unplayable in a ruck or a maul.
Eight people from each team lock arms and face each other; they engage with the opposition by interlocking heads with those of the other side’s front row. The ball is thrown into the middle of the tunnel between the two front rows and the hookers compete for the ball, attempting to ‘hook’ it back. The winner of the scrum can keep the ball on the ground and attempt to drive the opposition down field. Alternatively, they can pass the ball into the back line to resume open play.
Ruck vs Maul
No - mauls and rucks are not just playground free-for-alls; and no, they are not the same thing – promise!
In a maul, the ball is held off the floor and the players must try to stand on their feet.
In a ruck, the ball is on the ground and must not be handled by any of the players. Instead, they use their feet to ‘ruck’ the ball (and ONLY the ball) backwards.
Rugby Union Positions
Props
The prop anchors the scrummage and provides lifting strength and support to the lineout jumpers. They are also crucial in rucks and mauls.
Hooker
The hooker has two important roles on the pitch. In the scrum, they are the player to win possession of the ball and ‘hook’ it back. In the lineout, they are the player to throw the ball.
Number 8
The number 8 is at the back of the scrum and must secure possession of the ball and carry it into open play.
Scrum Half
The scrum half is the link between forwards and backs at the scrum and lineouts; he must decide whether to distribute a quick ball to the backs, or keep it close to the forwards.
Wings
The wings are the accelerator pedal of the team; they provide the injection of speed to outrun the opponent and score a try. They also need to be solid in defence.
Locks
Are the ones who win the ball from lineouts and restarts. The drive the momentum in scrums, rucks and mauls and provide a platform for attack.
Flankers
The flanker’s job is to win possession of the ball through turnovers, i.e. for tackling anyone on the opposing team who dares run with the ball.
Centres
The centres are key in both attack and defence. They’ll tackle the opposing team, as well as use their speed and power to breach defences.
Full Back
The last line of defence; the full back myst be confident under a high ball, have a good boot to clear the lines, and a try-saving tackle that could stop a freight train.
We hope this has given you a good overview of the rules, scoring and general 'need to knows' of rugby union - you're a beginner no more!
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