Overview
This lecture introduces the basic rules, structure, and key concepts of Rugby Union, covering gameplay, positions, scoring, and sportsmanship.
Rugby Union Basics
- Rugby is a popular English sport played by all ages and genders.
- Rugby Union is the most common version globally, played on a pitch similar in size to a football field.
- Players wear a jersey, shorts, boots with studs, and a mouthguard; the ball is oval-shaped.
Field Layout and Game Structure
- Important pitch lines: halfway, 10m, 22m, try line, dead ball line, 5m, and 15m lines.
- The game consists of two 40-minute halves with a 10-minute halftime break.
- Each team has 15 players: 8 forwards (scrum/lineout), 7 backs (running plays), a scrum half, and a full back.
Basic Rules of Play
- The ball is mostly carried or passed backwards by hand or kicked for territory.
- Passes must go backward; kicking is allowed for strategic advantage.
Scoring Points
- A try (touching the ball down behind the opponent's try line) scores 5 points.
- A successful conversion kick after a try adds 2 points.
- Penalty kicks and drop goals each score 3 points if kicked between the posts.
Restarts and Set Pieces
- A scrum restarts play after a forward pass or knock-on; only forwards participate.
- During a scrum, teams contest for the ball using their feet, not hands.
- A line out restarts play when the ball leaves the field; forwards jump and may be lifted to catch the ball.
Tackling and Contests for Possession
- Only the player with the ball can be tackled using hands, arms, and body—never the neck, head, or while airborne.
- Dangerous tackles result in yellow or red cards.
Rucks and Mauls
- A maul is when the ball carrier is held up but remains standing, joined by teammates.
- A ruck forms after a player is tackled to the ground; both teams compete for the ball with their feet.
Offside
- Players must stay behind the last foot in a maul or ruck; entering from the side is not allowed.
Sportsmanship
- Rugby values respect for opponents and referees.
- Players applaud opponents and referees after each match.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Try — Scoring by touching the ball on/behind the opponent's try line (5 points).
- Conversion — Kick after a try for 2 extra points.
- Penalty Kick — Kick for goal after a foul, worth 3 points.
- Drop Goal — Kicking the ball after it bounces, worth 3 points.
- Scrum — Restart formation contested by forwards after a foul.
- Line Out — Restart when the ball goes out of bounds, with players jumping to catch the thrown ball.
- Maul — Contest while standing up with the ball held off the ground.
- Ruck — Contest after a tackle with the ball on the ground.
- Offside — Being ahead of the last foot at a ruck or maul, forbidden position.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review rugby rules and positions for understanding.
- Visit England rugby.com to find local clubs or further information.