Rugby Union Rules

Here is a very basic guide to some of the important rules you need to know about rugby union:

A rugby union team consists of 15 players - this is one of the main differences from Rugby League. There are also complicated rules regarding the use of substitutions and replacement players. A game consists of two 40 minute halves, and are played on a pitch approximately 100 metres long and 70 metres wide, with the traditional H-shaped goalposts at each end.

There are a number of ways in which points can be scored. The highest point value is awarded for the scoring of a try. This is when the ball is grounded behind the oppositions goal line, and is worth 5 points. After a try is scored there is also the opportunity to add a further 2 points with a conversion. A drop-goal or a penalty kick are both worth 3 points.

Forward passing is prohibited in rugby. Instead, players must move the ball in other ways. The most popular methods of moving the ball are backwards passing, within a scrum or maul, by kicking the ball, or simply running forward with it.

Players can be yellow-carded (sin-binned for 10 minutes) or red-carded for persistent breaches of the laws. Common infringements include offences such as offsides, failing to release the ball, collapsing a scrum, ruck or maul, or for dangerous or high tackles.

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