All About Rugby: The Basics of This Tough and Exciting Game

Though it’s not incredibly popular in most American suburbs, rugby is quite popular in many parts of the world. One of the most exciting and intense sports around, rugby is known for its fast-paced action, teamwork, and physical strength. Perhaps this is why rugby has captured the hearts of old and young fans the world-over.

The age of communication we live in has ensured that rugby is no longer the mysterious football variant that some Americans used to think it was. Kids today have seen rugby games, either professional or otherwise, over the internet or on live television. Nevertheless, many readers and young athletes might be curious to learn more about the sport and what makes it so thrilling.

In this guide, we will covers the basics of rugby, from its history and rules to the different positions and skills you’ll need to play. Whether you’re new to rugby or already know a bit, get ready to dive into the basics of this powerful and energetic sport!

A Quick History of Rugby

Rugby’s humble origins can be traced back to England in the early 19th century. As with most stories hailing from that part of the world, there is something of a legend surrounding the game’s inventor, a student named William Webb Ellis. Legend has it that Ellis was playing a game of soccer when he decided to just pick up the ball and run with it toward the goal. As you know, this would be very much against the rules of soccer, where only the goalkeeper gets to touch the ball with their hands. On this day, however, it seems that everyone watching got a kick out of the stunt. Rather than chastise Ellis, the players decided to see if they too could “just run with the idea.”

This simple, rather silly act led to the development of a new sport: rugby. Somewhat surprisingly, the game grew in popularity. Before long, it spread across the UK and beyond to far-flung places. Around the mid-1800s, someone finally wrote down the official rules to the sport. With the formal rules now in place and its legacy secured, rugby became an official sport with its own distinct style of play.

These days, this rule-breaking sport is played in over 100 countries. There are two distinct versions of the sport: Rugby Union and Rugby League. These are the main versions, of course, though we’re sure variants exist. The sport has a way of making people bend the rules, after all. While both the main rugbys are popular and have similar rules, they differ in certain aspects like team size and scoring systems. For our purposes, this article will mostly focus on Rugby Union; the most commonly played version around the world, including in the United States!

Rugby Basics: How the Game Works

We joked earlier about the seemingly jovial circumstances behind rugby’s invention, but this sport is no joke. At its core, rugby is a game of strength, strategy, and skill. Teams play on a large grass field, similar to a soccer field, but with an oval-shaped ball rather than a round one. A rugby ball sort of resembles an American football, actually. Throughout the game players pass, kick, and carry the oblong ball to score points. Below you can find some more detailed basics to further familiarize you with how rugby works:

The Rugby Field

As we touched on earlier, the configuration of a rugby field is quite similar to that of a soccer field. The rugby pitch, however, does incorporate some different markings and meanings. A pitch is built in the shape of a rectangle and has several important markings throughout. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll see on a rugby field:

• Try Line: This line sits at either end of the field where players score “tries.” Tries are like touchdowns in American football.
• 22-Meter Line: This line is located 22 meters from each of the two try lines. It’s purpose is to help mark off defensive zones.
• Halfway Line: This is, as advertised, the center line that divides the field in half.
• Goal Posts: As in soccer and American football, these goal posts are located at each end of the field. The posts are shaped like a giant “H” and points can be scored by kicking the ball through them.

Scoring Points in Rugby

You don’t just have to get the ball over the goalposts to score in rugby. In fact there are four main ways that players can score points throughout the game:

1. Try (5 points): When a player crosses the try line and grounds the ball in the opposing team’s end zone, thats called scoring a try, which is equal to 5 points.
2. Conversion (2 points): After scoring a try, a team gets the opportunity to earn 2 extra points by kicking the ball through the goalposts from a designated spot.
3. Penalty Kick (3 points): This one’s a toughie. Let’s say the opposing team commits a penalty, the other team can then opt to kick for q goal from the spot of the penalty. Now, that could be across the entire field, but a good kicker might be able to do it.
4. Drop Goal (3 points): Any player may drop the ball and kick it through the goalposts during open play for an additional 3 points.

Game Time

A standard rugby match consists of two halves and each last about 40 minutes, with a short break in between. The clock runs continuously but time can be added for injuries, fouls and the like. At the end of it, the team with the most points wins the match. 80 minutes is a long time, though, and players need a lot of stamina to keep up the pace for entire duration. This is especially difficult because rugby is so physically demanding.

Rugby Positions: Who Plays Where?

Rugby teams are typically made up of 15 players. As in football, soccer, hockey, and other team sports of a similar nature, each player has a specific role to play. This is made a bit easier in rugby, as the team is divided into only two main groups: forwards and backs.

Forwards

You have to be physically fit to play rugby and forwards are certainly that. These players are usually larger and stronger than the backs. Their imposing physicality is there for a purpose, of course, as their main function is in gaining and maintaining possession of the ball. When scrums and lineouts occur, the forwards wind up in the thick of it. Here are the key forward positions:

1. Prop: The props (two players) are positioned at the front of the scrum, supporting the hooker.
2. Hooker: The hooker’s job is to “hook” the ball in the scrum and throw it into the lineout.
3. Locks: Locks add height to the lineout and provide strength in the scrum.
4. Flankers: Flankers are fast and strong, focusing on tackling and winning possession.
5. Number 8: Positioned at the back of the scrum, the number 8 helps link the forwards and backs.

Backs

The backs are there for speed and agility. Only the fastest, most agile players can be backs. Their function is to pass, kick, and take advantage of any and all scoring opportunities, while the forwards keep the rest of the opposing team busy. Here are the primary positions in the backline:

1. Scrum-Half: The scrum-half links the forwards and backs, passing the ball out from the scrum or lineout.
2. Fly-Half: The fly-half makes key decisions on whether to kick, pass, or run, and often dictates the team’s play.
3. Centers: Centers are strong runners and tacklers who help create scoring opportunities.
4. Wingers: Wingers are typically the fastest players on the team and aim to score tries on the edges of the field.
5. Fullback: The fullback is positioned deep and is responsible for catching kicks, defending, and counter-attacking.

Each player on a rugby field has a vital role to play. This is because rugby teams rely heavily on teamwork to find success. Whether it’s gaining possession, defending, or scoring, every position contributes to the team’s ability to score points.

Key Skills in Rugby

Rugby is a complex, physically-demanding sport that requires a wide range of physical and mental skills. Some of the most important skills that rugby players need to develop can be found below:

Passing

Rugby players need to know how to pass the ball backward or sideways to their teammates. They do this because forward passing is simply not allowed, so players must run forward and pass to someone behind them. Mastering these different types of passes is difficult, but essential.

Tackling

If you’ve ever seen even a snippet of a rugby game, then you know that it is a full-contact sport. As a result, tackling is a big part of how the game is played. Now, that’s not to say that players can just throw their whole bodies into the game willy-nilly. Tackling in rugby is not about brute force, it is about precision and timing. Thus, players need to learn safe and effective tackling techniques to bring down opponents while minimizing the risk of injury.

Kicking

Kicking plays a huge role in the way rugby players score points, but it’s so much more than that. Players use kicks to gain territory and change the direction of play as well. There are different types of kicks, including drop kicks, place kicks, and punt kicks, and each one has its own purpose within the game.

Scrummaging

In Rugby Union, scrums happen after certain types of minor rule infringements. A scrum is essentially a type of mid-game shoving match. During a scrum, the forwards from each team pack down and push against each other, as they attempt to gain possession of the ball. Scrummaging requires strength, coordination, and teamwork.

Lineouts

When the ball goes out of bounds, a lineout occurs. Lineouts are is a means to restart play when the ball is no longer in play. Players from each team line up, and the hooker throws the ball back into play. Jumpers then attempt to grab the ball for their side, and these jumpers can also be lifted by teammates to catch the ball, adding height and skill to this unique part of the game.

The Importance of Teamwork in Rugby

You have to be a team player to be successful at rugby. Gameplay relies so heavily on teamwork, with each player having a unique role in the grand scheme of the game. As a result, rugby is often referred to a team-No one can succeed alone in rugby and players need to learn to communicate effectively, trust one another, and work together to get themselves and the ball where they need to go.

Similarly, rugby emphasizes sportsmanship and respect for opponents and officials. Players are expected to follow the rules and respect the referee’s decisions, even if they disagree. This feels somewhat ironic, however, as the game was invented by a fellow who chose not to follow the rules of the game’s spiritual predecessor, soccer. Nevertheless, encouraging these values makes rugby a sport that not only builds physical strength but also promotes character and respect.

Rugby Safety: Staying Safe on the Field

Rugby is a contact sport whose rules include a fair amount of running, tackling, and shoving. This means that safety has to be a top priority. Here are a few ways players and coaches work to keep the game safe:

• Proper Training: Coaches should endeavor to teach players safe tackling and scrummaging techniques in order to avoid injury.
• Protective Gear: Though there aren’t nearly as many pads as say, American football, rugby players do wear some protective gear. For example, some players wear mouthguards or padded headgear.
• Conditioning: It’s important to condition oneself and be physically fit if one wishes to perform better and remain uninjured.
• Referee Control: Referees are there to enforce rules to prevent dangerous play and keep the game fair. So remember to listen to them!

Why Rugby Is Great for Kids

Rugby is more than just a sport; it’s a way to develop essential life skills for young athletes. Despite it’s rough and tumble reputation, and despite what some parents might think, there are quite a few good reasons why rugby is great for kids:

• Teamwork and Communication: Rugby teaches children how to work together and communicate effectively, both on and off the pitch
• Confidence and Discipline: The physical challenges presented within rugby help young athletes to build confidence and learn self-discipline.
• Physical Fitness: Rugby practice and play improves strength, speed, agility, and endurance, keeping kids active and healthy.
• Respect and Sportsmanship: Rugby has a strong tradition of respect for everyone on the field, making it a sport that builds character.

Cultured Athlete Says…

Rugby is a thrilling and challenging sport that combines physical strength, strategy, and teamwork, making it a great sport for beginner athletes.If you or your kids are interested in giving rugby a try, keep an eye out in your area. Look for a local club, organization, or even a school team. You never know who in your neighborhood is a real rugby fan!