• Introduction
  • The object of the game
  • Rugby Union vs Rugby League
  • Scoring in Rugby Union
    • Rugby Union gameplay rules
    • Possession changes in Rugby Union
    • Kick-offs & tap-kick restarts
    • Tackling rules in Rugby Union
    • Rucking and mauling
    • Offsides in Rugby Union
    • Line-outs and scrums
  • Scoring in Rugby League
    • Rugby League gameplay rules
    • Possession changes in Rugby League
    • Kick-offs & tap-kick restarts
    • Tackling rules in Rugby League
    • Play-the-ball
    • The 40/20 kick
    • The zero tackle
    • Offsides in Rugby League
    • Scrums
  • Penalties and free kicks
  • Referees
  • Game time & intervals
  • The rugby pitch
  • Rules and regulations of rugby equipment
  • Other rules of rugby
  • Sources

Rugby Union scoring

  • Try: 5pts. Touching the ball on the ground in the in-goal zone. 
  • Conversion: 2pts. Kicking the ball through the pipes after a successful try.
  • Penalty goal: 3pts. Awarded after a successful penalty kick.
  • Drop goal: 3pts. Bouncing the ball and kicking it through the pipes during play.
  • Penalty try: 7pts. Awarded when an official believes the defending team prevents a try via player misconduct.

Kick-offs

  • Kick-offs start each half of the game.
  • Taken from behind the halfway line.
  • Kick-offs start the game after every try, penalty kick, or drop goal.
  • After a try, the game is restarted with a 22m drop-out.

Open play

  • Played in a 15 vs 15 format. 
  • Players may pass the ball backwards or sideways. Forward passes are allowed only when kicked. 
  • Only players with the ball may be tackled.
  • Tackled players must immediately release the ball and let the opponent gain possession of the ball. 
  • The game continues even after a player has been tackled. 
  • The possession of the ball changes if a pass is intercepted, a penalty is awarded, or the ball goes out of play.
  • A knock-on occurs when the ball is fumbled forward. This results in a scrum for the other team.
  • If a ball is deliberately kicked over the sideline, it is kicked into touch. The game restarts with a line-out. 
  • Offsides refer to situations where a player is further on the field than the player with the ball. Offside players may not participate or interfere with open play. 

Scrums & Line-outs

  • Scrums start the play when a knock-on, offside, or forward pass occurs. 
  • Scrums are formed with two rows of players from each team pushing against each other.
  • Line-outs are awarded when the ball goes over the sideline. 
  • In line-outs, both teams compete for the ball by lifting their teammates as the ball is passed from the sideline. 

Penalties & free-kicks

  • Players may attempt to score from a penalty kick.
  • Players may not try to attempt scoring from a free-kick.  

Match time & intervals

  • Matches consist of two 40-minute halves. 
  • Half-time is 10mins. 
  • Teams switch sides after the first half.
  • Teams are allowed 7 substitutions.

Rugby League scoring

  • Try: 5pts. Scored by touching the ball on the ground in the in-goal zone. 
  • Conversion: 2pts. Scored by kicking the ball through the pipes after a successful try.
  • Penalty goal: 3pts. Awarded after a successful penalty kick. 
  • Drop goal: 3pts. Bouncing the ball on the ground and kicking it through the pipes during open play.
  • Penalty try: 8pts. Awarded when a possible try is stopped due to foul play.

Kick-offs

  • Kick-offs start each half and restarts the game when a team has scored.
  • Taken from behind the halfway line.

Open play

  • Played in a 13 vs 13 format. 
  • Players may pass the ball backwards or sideways, or kick it forward. 
  • Only players with the ball may be tackled.
  • A successful tackle stops the game, and teams have six tackles to try and score. 
  • Offsides are situations where a player is further on the field than the ball carrier. Offside players may not interfere or participate in open play.
  • Fumbling a ball forward is considered a knock-on. The game will continue with the other team’s scrum. 
  • The possession of the ball changes if a pass is intercepted, a penalty is awarded, the ball goes out of play, or when a team runs out of tackles. 
  • Zero tackles occur when a player intercepts a pass and is tackled down. Thus, the first tackle doesn’t count as one of the six tackles.

Play-the-ball

  • Starts the game after a successful tackle
  • Done by placing the ball on the ground and heeling it backwards to their teammates. 

Scrums

  • Scrums start the play after a knock-on, offside, or forward pass. 
  • Scrums are formed with two rows of players from each team pushing against each other.

Penalties & free-kicks

  • Players are allowed to score directly from a penalty kick.
  • Players are not allowed to score directly from a free-kick.  

Game time & intervals

  • Games consist of two 40-minute halves. 
  • Half-time is 10mins. 
  • Teams switch sides after the first half.
  • Teams are allowed 10 substitutions.

Introduction

Rugby was invented in 1823 by William Webb Ellis. The sport got its name from the first official game that was played at Rugby School in Rugby, Warwickshire, England. The word quickly got around and other schools in the area adopted their own playstyles. This eventually led to the creation of the Rugby Football Union (RFU), which also established the first official rules of rugby in 1871.

In 1895, teams from Northern England resigned from the Rugby Football Union due to financial differences, and the Rugby League was created. Soon after, the newly formed league modified the rules to their liking, creating two distinctly different ”codes” of rugby. At the same time, rugby was also growing rapidly in the southern hemisphere, and in 1905, the world saw the very first Haka before the kick-off. 

A century later in 1995, rugby became a professional sport for the first time in its history. This sparked a new era for rugby, as it continued to grow into one of the biggest sports in the world. Nowadays, rugby has an estimated six million active players and a whopping 405 million fans worldwide. Its biggest events include the Six Nations Championship and the Rugby World Cup. Both of which gather an average of 8-9 million viewers per game. Rugby sevens has also been showcased in the Olympics in 1900, 1908, 1920, 1924, and 2016.

The object of the game

The object of rugby is to score more points than the opposing team through tries, conversions, drop goals and penalty kicks. Of course, the other team also has the same goal as they try to score more points than your team. 

Rugby Union vs Rugby League

Rugby can be divided into two distinct ”codes” with their own special set rules. The main differences between the two are the number of players on the field (Rugby League has 13, Rugby Union has 15), different amounts of points given from scoring, as well as their own rules for tackling. 

Click the two tabs and learn the rules of Rugby Union and Rugby League, and what makes them different from each other. 

Scoring in Rugby Union

In Rugby Union, points may be scored in five different ways; tries, conversions, penalty goals, drop goals, and penalty tries. 

A try is worth five points and it is scored by touching the ball on the ground behind the opponent’s goal line. 

A conversion is a free-kick worth two points that may only be scored after a try. A conversion is performed from the same vertical plane as the try. However, the kicker may decide the distance for their shot. In order to score a successful conversion, the ball must fly through the goal pipes. 

Penalty goals are worth three points and given to the other team if a player receives a penalty. When a penalty is awarded, the team may restart the play with a scrum, quick tap, kick-to-touch, or a penalty goal attempt. If the team chooses to shoot a penalty shot, it must be kicked from where the penalty occurred. 

Drop goals are worth three points. They are scored during open play when a player first drops the ball into the ground and then kicks it through the pipes. 

Penalty tries are worth seven points in Rugby Union matches. Penalty tries are awarded when an official believes the defending team prevents a try via player misconduct. 

Rugby Union gameplay rules

Rugby Union matches are played in a 15 vs 15 format. During open play, the attacking team may move towards the other team’s goal-line in three different ways: running with the ball, passing it backwards or sideways to a teammate, or from a set-piece. Forward passes are only allowed if the ball is kicked forwards. 

In Rugby Union, the play continues even after a player is tackled to the ground. In this case, the player with the ball must immediately get up with the ball, play it without kicking, or release it. Once the ball is released, the player may not immediately tackle an opponent and must allow an opponent to gain possession of the ball. 

If a player fumbles, or lets the ball rebound in a forward motion, it is considered a knock-on. This results in a scrum for the other team. If a ball is directly kicked into touch (kicked out of play) from behind the 22m (24.1yd) line, the game continues with a line-out from where the ball crossed the sideline. However, if the ball is kicked from anywhere else on the field, it must first bounce inside the pitch before crossing the sideline. Otherwise, the ball will be returned to where it was kicked.

Possession changes in Rugby Union

During open play, the ball possession may change in several ways. This includes:

  • When the ball is dropped and picked up by the other team.
  • After an unsuccessful kick at goal.
  • When a pass is intercepted.
  • A penalty is awarded.
  • When the ball is illegally passed or knocked forwards (resulting in a scrum).
  • The ball goes out of play (resulting in a line-out).
  • Losing possession in a scrum, maul, ruck, line-out or tackle.

Once the other team has gained possession of the ball, they may proceed on the pitch and attempt scoring.

Kick-offs & tap-kick restarts

Kick-offs are drop kicks that start each half of the match as well as restarts the match after every try, penalty kick or drop goal. A kick-off is always taken on or behind the center of the halfway line, while the rest of the team stands behind the kicker. During a kick-off, the other team must wait behind the 10m line. 

After a touchdown, the play is restarted with a 22m drop-out. This is performed on or behind the defending team’s 22m line. The kick must cross the line and not go directly into touch (kicked over the touchline). 

Tap kicks may be taken in situations where keeping possession of the ball is more beneficial than kicking it downfield. A tap kick is done by either placing the ball on the ground, kicking it lightly, or punting it back into your hands.

Tackling rules in Rugby Union

While defending, players may tackle the opponent who is in possession of the ball to prevent them from moving forward. However, tackling can only be done by wrapping your arms around the other player and bringing them to the ground. Tackling above the shoulder or with the hips or legs are strictly prohibited. Tripping a player using feet is also considered illegal in the rules of rugby. 

A tackle is complete when the tackled player is held on the ground. In Rugby Union, this does not stop the play and the player must immediately pass or release the ball. The player may also attempt to score by grounding the ball over the end line. The tackler, on the other hand, must roll away after a completed tackle. This situation often results in a ruck. 

Rucking and mauling

A ruck is formed when the ball is on the ground with one or more players on their feet around it. In this situation, players must use their feet to move the ball through to the opposition’s side where it may be picked up. 

A maul refers to a situation where the ball carrier is held by one or more players from the other team and one or more players from the same team. In a maul, the team in possession of the ball may drive towards the opposition’s end line. The team can also pass the ball backwards to a player with more space on the pitch. 

Offsides in Rugby Union

An offside occurs when a player is further on the field than the player in possession of the ball. The offside player may not participate in the play until he/she is onside again. This includes tackling, playing the ball, or interfering with the opposing team’s ability to play as they wish. A player may also be penalized if they move towards the ball, enter a ruck, maul, or scrum, or if they do not move at least 10m (10.9yd) away from an opponent waiting for the ball. 

During a line-out, ruck, or a maul, any player in front of the backmost player is considered offside even after the situation has ended. To become onside, the player must return behind the offside line. Additionally, a player is onside if an opposition player kicks the ball or carries it 5m (5.5yd) in any direction. 

In most cases, offsides are punished with a penalty and awarded to the other team. The match will continue at the location of the penalty with a penalty kick or a scrum. 

Line-outs and scrums

If the ball goes over the sidelines, the play will continue with a line-out or a scrum. 

A line-out is awarded when the ball goes out-of-bounds over the sideline. A line-out is always awarded against the team that touches the ball last. In a line-out, the ball is thrown from the touchline down towards the center of the line. Both teams then compete for the ball by lifting their teammates. These ”jumping” players cannot be tackled until they stand. However, shoulder-to-shoulder contact is still allowed. 

A scrum is a way to restart the game after a minor infringement such as a knock-on, offside, or a forward pass. Teams also have the possibility to opt for a scrum after a penalty. A scrum is formed by eight forwards from both teams. These players crouch, lock arms and get into two rows. The front row consists of a hooker and two props, whereas the back row has two locks and two flankers. The number 8 player is located behind the second row. 

The team rewarded with the scrum feeds the ball into the tunnel between the two teams. The hookers from both teams try to gain possession of the ball by hooking the ball back to their teammates. The team that wins possession of the ball may attempt to proceed on the field by pushing the opposing team or letting another player pick it up. 

Scoring in Rugby League

In Rugby League matches, points may be scored via tries, conversions, penalty goals, drop goals, and penalty tries.

A try is worth four points. It is scored by touching the ball on the ground behind the opponent’s end line.

A conversion is a free-kick worth two points that may only be scored after a try. A conversion must be taken perpendicular to where the try was scored. The kicker may decide the distance for their shot. For a successful conversion, the ball must fly through the goal pipes and over the crossbar. 

Penalty goals are worth two points and the penalty kick must be taken where the infringement occurred. However, the team may also choose to attack with a set of six tackles instead. 

Drop goals, also known as field goals, are worth one point in Rugby League matches. They are scored during open play when a player drops the ball into the ground and immediately kicks it over the crossbar and through the pipes. 

Penalty tries are worth eight points in Rugby League matches. They are awarded when the referee believes the attacking team would have scored a try without the other team’s misconduct. A penalty try also awards a conversion attempt afterwards. 

Rugby League gameplay rules

Rugby league games are played in a 13 vs 13 format. Once the ball is in open play, the attacking team may move up the pitch by running, passing the ball sideways or backwards, or kicking it forwards.

In Rugby League, the player with the ball may run towards the opposing team’s try line until they are brought down by a tackle. The play will also be stopped if the ball is fumbled forward or when a knock-on (ball is accidentally knocked forward) occurs. After the stoppage, the play will continue with a scrum.

The ball may also be kicked into touch, which refers to kicking the ball out of the field. A successful kick must first bounce inside the playing field before crossing the touchline. A successful kick-to-touch results in a scrum from the 20m line, making it a great way to advance on the field especially on the fifth tackle. 

What really makes Rugby League different from Rugby Union is that teams have six tackles to attempt scoring. On the sixth play, the team in possession of the ball usually kicks a long ball down the field.

Possession changes in Rugby League

In Rugby League, the ball possession may change quickly in several situations. These include;

  • When the ball is dropped and picked up by a player from the other team.
  • After a missed kick at goal.
  • When a pass is intercepted by the other team.
  • When a penalty is awarded.
  • When the ball is knocked forwards or illegally passed (results in a scrum for the other team).
  • When the ball goes out of play (a scrum is awarded for the other team).
  • After a one-on-one tackle where the tackle is completed and the ball is taken legally.
  • When a team runs out of tackles, or a knock-on occurs on the sixth tackle.
  • The sixth tackle starts the game with a handover instead of a scrum (results in a handover for the other team).

After a team has gained possession of the ball, they have six tackles to proceed on the pitch and score points.

Kick-offs & tap-kick restarts

A kick-off starts each half of the game, as well as restarts the game after a team has scored. It is taken from the center of the halfway line and kicked into the opposition half. Then, the team in possession of the ball attempts to move up the pitch by running or passing the ball. 

Tap kicks are usually taken in situations where the team believes that keeping possession of the ball is more beneficial than a downfield kick. A tap kick can be performed performed in a few different ways; placing the ball on the ground, kicking it a short distance, or punting it back into your hands.

Tackling rules in Rugby League

Players of the defending team may interfere and tackle the opponent in possession of the ball. This is done by wrapping both arms around the ball carrier and bringing them to the ground. Tackling above the shoulder, or with the hips or legs are considered illegal. The only exception to this is that the tackling player is allowed to use his/her legs to bring down the carrier if both of his/her arms are on the other player. 

In Rugby League, a tackle is complete when the elbow of the hand carrying the ball hits the ground, or when the player is held by one or more players in a way that makes further progress impossible. After a completed tackle, the play stops and is restarted with a play-the-ball. The attacking team has a maximum of six tackles to try and score points before a handover is given to the other team. 

So-called voluntary tackles are also illegal according to the rules of the Rugby League. This refers to situations where a player grounds themselves without being tackled by an opponent. 

Play-the-ball

A play-the-ball simply refers to putting the ball back in play as soon as possible. Before the tackled player may restart the play, they must be released and allowed to get up. The rest of the team must also be given enough time to clear the ruck before playing-the-ball. Once these are done, the player places the ball on the ground and rolls or heels it backwards to a teammate, starting another attack.

During a play-the-ball, one ”marker” from the defending team may stand directly in front of the player restarting the game. 

The 40/20 kick

The 40/20 rule was introduced to reward more accurate kicking during open play. A successful 40/20 kick must be performed behind the team’s 40m line, land within 20m of the end line, and then go out of play (into touch) over the sidelines.

After a successful 40/20 kick, the attacking team is rewarded a tap-kick restart from the location the ball went over the side line. 

The zero tackle

A zero tackle refers to a situation where the ball was intercepted, resulting in a turnover. Thus, the following tackle will be a zero tackle, and not counted as one of the six tackles the team has to attempt scoring. 

Offsides in Rugby League

An offside refers to a situation where an attacking player is further on the field than the player in possession of the ball. While this is not automatically an offense, the player may not come closer than 10m (10.9yd) to the player who catches the ball. The offside player is also not allowed to participate or interfere with the play until he/she is onside again. 

A defending player can also be offside in Rugby League matches. This happens in situations where a defender is less than 10m (10.9yd) away from the opposition during a play-the-ball, or less than 5m (5.5yd) away from the base of a scrum. 

Scrums

A scrum is a way to restart the play after a minor infringement such as an offside, a knock-on, or a forward pass. During a scrum, both teams form two rows of players that push against each other. Then, the halfback feeds the ball through the legs of one of the props to put the ball into play. Once the ball is back in play, the team in possession of the ball may push forward for as long as the ball remains in the scrum. The ball may also be passed backwards to the halfback for a possible breakaway.

Scrums used to be a way for teams to compete for the possession of the ball. However, the modern rules of the Rugby League state that the ball must be fed into the second row, making it much more difficult for the other team to steal the ball. This gives a significant advantage to the team that the scrum was awarded to. 

Penalties and free kicks

Penalty kicks are called for infringements that significantly affect the opposition and the flow of the game. The most common penalties are high tackles, holding on after grounding an opponent, tripping, hitting, or kicking the ball when another player is trying to pick up the ball. Even foul language can be considered an offense that can result in a penalty. 

In case of a penalty, the team usually chooses to place the ball on a kicking tee (plastic part that keeps the ball upright) and kick for a goal. The team may also choose to start with a scrum, a quick penalty (quickly return the ball into play), or attempt to kick into touch.

A free-kick is awarded for less serious infringements. Unlike in penalty kicks, the team may not attempt to score directly from a free-kick. The team may also choose to restart the game with a scrum instead. 

A player may also be given a yellow card for unfair or dangerous play, obstruction, misconduct, and repeated offenses. A carded player will be suspended for 10 minutes while the rest of the team continues to play shorthanded. Red cards are given in more severe situations or if the same player gets two yellow cards. In this case, the player will be sent off.  

Referees 

The rules of rugby are overseen by a referee, whose main responsibilities include keeping time and score, as well as making sure the game is played according to the official rules of the World Rugby (WR). Usually, the referee also has two assistants – one on each side of the pitch. The assistants are responsible for raising the flag when a goal is scored, or when foul play occurs.

In elite-level competitions, there may also be a fourth official in charge of legal substitutions. A television match official may also be appointed to keep track of the score and assist the referee. 

Game time & intervals

A rugby game consists of two 40-minute halves, divided by a 10-15 minute half time. Rugby does not have stoppage time and the game will end when the ball becomes dead after 80 minutes of gameplay. The only exceptions to this are when a penalty, a free-kick, or a conversion attempt occurs after the time is up. In knock-out games, the match organizer may also authorize extra-time if the score is tied after 80 minutes. 

In case of an injury, the referee may stop the play and allow up to 60s to treat the injured player. When the play is stopped, the referee may also allow time for substitutions, equipment repair, and consulting with referees. 

In Rugby Union, teams have a maximum of seven substitutions, whereas Rugby League matches have up to ten substitutions. A player who is substituted may not return to the match. 

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Rugby Union and Rugby League have subtle differences in rules, scoring, and gameplay style.

The rugby pitch

A Rugby Union pitch is 106-144m (115.9-157.5yd) long and 68-70m (74.4-76.6yd) wide. The distance from one end line/try line to another varies from 95 to 100m (103.9-109.4yd) whereas the distance between the goal and dead-ball lines ranges from 6 to 22m (6.6-24.1yd). The field also has lines drawn at 22m (24.1yd), 15m (16.4yd), and 5m (5.5yd) from the touchline. There is also a halfway line and a “broken line” at 10m (10.9yd) from the touchline. Lastly, a set of goal posts are located at the center of both end lines. 

A Rugby League pitch is 112-122m (122.5-133.4yd) long and 68m (74.4yd) wide. The distance between the two end lines is 100m (109.4yd). In the center of both end lines are a set of goal posts for drop goals, penalties, and conversions. A Rugby League pitch also has lines going across the field every 10m (10.9yd). Finally, there is a 6-11m (6.6-12yd) in-goal area behind the goal posts. 

In both versions of rugby, the goal posts are 3m (9.8ft) from the ground and 5.6m (18.4ft) from each other. The minimum height of the goal posts is 3.4m (11.2ft).

Rules and regulations of rugby equipment

In addition to team equipment such as a jersey, socks, and shorts, rugby requires an official ball, a mouthguard, and cleats. Sometimes players may also choose to use protective headgear for extra safety. 

Rugby balls are ovoid in shape, made from water-resistant synthetic leather and inflated to 65.7–68.8 kPa (9.5–10.0 psi). However, their dimensions vary slightly between the Rugby Union and Rugby League.

  • The Rugby Union uses a ball that is 28-30cm (11-12in) long, 58-62cm in diameter (23-24in), and has a weight of 410-460g (14-16oz). Rugby union balls are also slightly less pointy than the balls used in the Rugby League. 
  • Rugby League uses a ”size 5” or international size ball in all matches. It is 27cm (11in) long, 60cm (24in) in diameter, and has a weight between 383 and 440g (13.5-15.5oz).

Mouthguards are another mandatory equipment for rugby players. They are made from Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) and provide protection from teeth, gum, and lip injuries, as well as concussions. 

Rugby boots are light in weight and equipped with studs similar to soccer cleats. 

Headguards, also known as scrum caps, may also be used to prevent head injuries. Although useful, they are not mandatory during gameplay. 

Other rules of rugby

In addition to the regular rules of rugby, both codes follow a set of unwritten guidelines regarding sportsmanlike conduct. This means that although players are fierce competitors on the pitch, they must treat their opponents, teammates, coaches, and referees with the utmost respect. For example, players must address referees as ”sir” or ”ma’am”. Players also rarely question the referees’ decisions during the game.

Being a team sport, athletes must remember that they are representing their club and their traditions. Thus, the player’s behavior has to reflect the culture of their team. 

When the game has ended, both teams are expected to be humble in victory but gracious in defeat. After shaking hands in good sportsmanship, the losing team may sometimes buy lunch for the winning side. In some cases, the home team may even hold tours to show the team’s training grounds. As you can see, rugby is a tough game, but a fair one. 

Did you learn anything new about the rules of rugby? Let us know in the comments.

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