Rugby: an intense sport coveted around the world in many countries. Whether you are looking to get into the world of rugby as a player or a spectator, this guide will give you the ins and outs that you need to know in order to be equipped and prepared for the much-loved game. 

From the rules of the game, to what you’ll need to play, this guide has it all. So, lets delve into what makes this sport the phenomenon it is. 

Rugby rules explained 

The objective of rugby is simple. The team with the most points wins. You can score points through tries, conversions and goals. The length of a rugby match is split into two 40-minute halves, with a 10-minute half-time period. 

• A try (5 points) – When the offensive team grounds the ball inside the opponent’s goal area 

• A conversion (2 points) – After scoring a try, teams receive an opportunity to score more points through a conversion by kicking the ball over the crossbar 

• A penalty kick (3 points) – Being fouled by the opposing team can be rewarded with a penalty kick 

• A drop goal (3 points) – Players can score by dropping the ball and kicking it through the opposition’s goal 

In Rugby League, tries are worth four points and penalty kicks are worth two. This changes how teams approach matches in Rugby League, with more strategy involved in scoring and time management.  

Rugby Union and rugby league are two distinct forms of rugby, differing in rules, scoring and general gameplay. For example, in rugby union there is no limit on tackles before losing possession, while in rugby league teams have a maximum of 6 tackles to advance the ball before possession is turned.  

Positions of players 

There are 15 players on a Rugby Union team, while in Rugby league it is 13-a-side. Rugby Union and Rugby League have different positions to reflect their changes in team size, but they both consist of forwards and backs. Forwards are responsible for the offense, attempting to score points for their team, while the backs are responsible for defensive duties, stopping the opposition from scoring. 

Rugby League positions:

Forwards: 

• Front Row Forwards/Props: Strong players who anchor the scrum and protect the ball in contact. 

• Hooker: Throws the ball into lineouts and hooks it back in scrums to secure possession. 

• Second Row Forwards: Powerful players who win lineout ball and drive the scrum forward. 

• Lock/Loose: Carry the ball and link with the backs. 

Backs: 

• Half Back – Fly Half/Scrum Half: Directs the attack by passing quickly and making tactical decisions. 

• Five Eight/Stand Off: The playmaker who organises attacking moves with kicks and passes. 

• Left Centre + Right Centre: Powerful runners who break tackles and create scoring chances. 

• Left Wing + Right Wing: Fast finishers who score tries by using space on the edges. 

• Fullback: The final defender who safely catches kicks and launches counterattacks. 

Rugby Union positions 

Forwards: 

• Loose Head Prop: Provides stability in the scrum and supports teammates in rucks and mauls. 

• Hooker: Responsible for accurate lineout throws and winning the ball in scrums. 

• Tight Head Prop: Anchors the scrum against opposition pressure and supplies raw strength. 

• Locks/Second Rows: Tall jumpers who secure lineout ball and add power to scrums. 

• Blindside Flanker + Openside Flanker: Aggressive tacklers who win turnovers and defend the breakdown. 

• Number Eight: Controls the ball at the back of the scrum and drives it forward in attack. 

Backs: 

• Half Back/Scrum Half: Links forwards and backs by delivering quick, accurate passes. 

• Five Eighth/Fly Half: Strategic leader who directs play through passing, kicking, and vision. 

• Inside Centre/Second Five + Outside Centre: Strong runners and defenders who create gaps and stop attacks. 

• Left Wing & Right Wing: Explosive finishers who use speed to score tries out wide. 

• Fullback: The last line of defense who fields kicks and starts counterattacks.