Rugby Explained: How is Rugby Played, Key Rules, and Different Types

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Rugby: An Introduction

Rugby is a sport that is a wonderful blend of strength, strategy and teamwork. It is played between two teams, in which the players try to reach the opponent's goal post by moving the ball forward with both hands and feet. It is one of the most popular sports in the world, especially in countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, France and Japan.

How is Rugby Played?

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The main goal of rugby is to cross the goalline located at the end of the field by carrying or kicking the ball or kicking it over the goal posts.

Scoring

• Try: When a player puts the ball on the ground behind the opponent's goal line, it is called a try. It gives the most points (usually 5 points).
• Conversion: After the try, the scoring team gets a chance to score additional points (usually 2 points) by kicking the ball between the goal posts.
• Penalty Goal: When the opposing team commits a foul, a penalty is given and the team can score 3 points by kicking the ball between the goal posts.
• Drop Goal: During the game, if a player makes the ball bounce on the ground and immediately kicks it between the goal posts, then 3 points are awarded.

Advancing the Ball

• Players can run with the ball in their hands.
• You can only pass the ball backwards or sideways. Passing forward is called a forward pass and it is a foul.
• Players can kick the ball forward and then run to catch it.

Tackle

• When a player is running with the ball, a player from the opposing team can stop him.
• The player making the tackle catches the player holding the ball below the waist and makes him fall on the ground.
• After a tackle has been made, the player holding the ball must immediately release the ball so that play can continue.

Key Rules of Rugby

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Some basic rules of rugby that are important to understand are

• Forward Pass: As mentioned above, passing the ball forward is prohibited.
• Knock-On: If a player accidentally drops the ball forward and it hits the ground or a player, it is called a knock-on. This is also a foul.
• Ruck and Maul: After being tackled, players push each other to maintain possession of the ball.
• Ruck: When the ball is on the ground and players stand over it to cover it.
• Maul: When the player holding the ball is standing upright and the opposing players try to push them forward or snatch the ball.
• Offside: The offside rule in rugby is a little complicated, but basically it means that a player cannot be active in play if he is ahead of the ball or in a position where he can gain an advantage.
• Scrum: A way of restarting play when a minor foul has occurred, such as a forward pass or knock-on. Forwards from both teams try to control the ball with their feet while pushing each other.
• Line-out: A way of restarting play when the ball has crossed the sidelines of the field. Both teams line up in a straight line and the ball is tossed into the air for players to catch.

Types of Rugby

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Rugby is played in three main formats

• Rugby Union
• This is the most popular format.
• It has 15 players on each team.
• The rules are a little more complex, especially with regard to the ruck and maul.
• The Rugby Premier League (RPL) in India uses the Rugby Sevens format, which is a shortened form of Rugby Union.
• Rugby League
• It has 13 players on each team.
• The rules are slightly different from rugby union and are often considered simpler, especially after the tackle.
• Rugby Sevens
• This is a shorter and faster format of rugby union.
• It has only 7 players on each team.
• Matches are shorter (usually 7–10 minutes per half).
• It is also part of the Olympic Games.

What do you need to play rugby?

A rugby player usually needs

• Jersey and Shorts: Comfortable and sturdy clothing.
• Rugby Boots: Special shoes with studs to provide grip.
• Mouthguard: To protect the teeth.
• Shoulder Pads and Headguard: (optional) To prevent injuries.

Physical Demands of Rugby

Rugby is a physically demanding sport. Players need to run, tackle, push and jump. It requires strength, stamina, speed and agility. Teamwork and communication are equally important.

Also Read: GMR Rugby Premier League (RPL) 2025, Squads, Schedule, Live Streaming Details

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