Rugby 101 - How the Sport Works

History of Rugby

• Originated in 1823 when William Webb Ellis picked up a ball during a soccer match and ran to the goal.
• Two main forms: Rugby Fifteens and Rugby Sevens.
• Other forms include Touch Rugby, Beach Rugby, Rugby Tens, and Rugby Twelves.

Safety in Rugby

• No pads or helmets, but rules and techniques prioritize safety.
• Proper use of arms and shoulders is emphasized.
• Dangerous play penalized with yellow (temporary removal) or red cards (possible suspension).

Rugby Fifteens (15s)

• Played with 15 players per side.
• Match duration: 80 minutes (two 40-minute halves).
• Was an Olympic sport in the early 1900s; U.S. won gold in 1920 and 1924.
• Rugby World Cup held every four years, third-largest single-sport event globally.

Rules of Rugby 15s

• Objective: Advance the ball into the opponent’s side and touch it to the ground for a 'try' worth 5 points.
• Ball can only be passed backwards or sideways; no blocking allowed.
• Play remains continuous after tackles.
• Kicking is the method for moving the ball forward.
• Scoring:
  • Try: 5 points
  • Conversion (post-try kick): 2 points
  • Penalty kick: 3 points

Rugby Sevens (7s)

• An Olympic sport since Rio 2016.
• Played with 7 players per side.
• Match duration: 14 minutes (two 7-minute halves).
• Played in tournaments with a Championship and Challenge track.

Rules of Rugby Sevens

• Fast-paced version of rugby 15s.
• Same point system as rugby 15s.
• Overtime in knockout rounds if tied.

Commonly Used Terms

• Try: Scoring by touching the ball in the tryzone for 5 points.
• Tryzone: Area where tries are scored.
• Conversion: Post-try kick for 2 extra points.
• Penalty: Kick for 3 points after opponent's infringement.
• Touchline: Boundary line of the field.
• Tryline: Goal line for scoring tries.
• Tackle: Bringing the ball carrier to the ground.
• Ruck: Players form around the ball on the ground.
• Maul: Ball carrier held by opponents and joined by teammates.
• Lineout: Resuming play after the ball goes out.
• Scrum: Restarting play after an infringement.
• Sin Bin: Temporary removal for fouls.

Pitch

• Refers to the field of play.

Governing Bodies

• World Rugby: Governs international rugby and organizes major competitions.
• Major League Rugby: Professional men's rugby 15s in the USA, started in 2018.
• Women's Premier League: Top women's rugby 15s competition in the USA, established 2008.
• Premier Rugby Sevens: Professional sevens league in the USA, founded 2021.