Learn to Play Rugby
A simple 9 step program
History of Rugby
Rugby is said to have originated at Rugby School in Warwickshire, England, in 1823 when during a game of football, William Webb Ellis decided to pick up a ball and go with it. Although there is very little evidence to support this theory, the Rugby World Cup Trophy is now named after William Webb Ellis.
In 1863 a collection of boarding schools and clubs decided upon a rule set and 1871 Rugby Football Union was officially formed.
Key Rugby Terms
Boots - Cleats
Pitch - Playing field
Pack - Forwards
Try - "Touchdown" in rugby
Touch - Out of bounds
The Basics
Game Length: Two 45 minute halfs
Pitch Size: Soccer field size
You can not: Throw the ball forward, wear pads, tackle a player high or block
You can: Kick the ball at any time and pass backwards
Similar to soccer, going out of bound with the ball creates a turnover
To score a try, the ball must be touched to the ground
How does scoring work?
Try: 5 points
Conversion Kick: 2 points
Penalty Kick: 3 points
Drop Goal: 3 points
*A safety does not exist in rugby
*A Conversion kick only occurs after scoring a try, the scoring team attempts to kick a "field goal" from a place in line with where the try was scored.
*A penalty try can be awarded if a player would have scored a try but for foul play by the opposition.
What is a "scrum"?
Short for scrummage, this occurs when there is a penalty. It is a method of restarting play that involves each team's 8 forwards packed closely together with their heads down and attempting to gain possession of the ball.
What is a "ruck"?
This is occurs when a player is tackled. Unlike in American football where the game stops, in rugby the games keeps going. A ruck occurs if the ball is on the ground and one or more players from each team who are on their feet close around it. Players must not handle the ball in the ruck, and must use their feet to move the ball or drive over it so that it emerges at the team’s hindmost foot, at which point it can be picked up. This is the most complex rule in rugby.
What is a "lineout"?
The lineout is a means of restarting play after the ball has gone into touch. A line out is when the forwards assemble in two lines, perpendicular to the touch line, one meter apart. The hooker throws the ball down the corridor between these two lines of players. The team that gets the ball has possession.
Common Penalties
Offside: You must be behind the line of scrimmage on defense while the ball is in the ruck. You must also be behind the person who kicked the ball on offense.
Knock on: You can not hit the ball forward
Forward Pass: You can not pass the ball forward
High Tackle: You can not tackle a person by the neck or head. You can not pick a person up and dump them. You must wrap a player up when tackling them.
Positions and their number
Forwards: Backs:
1, 3: Prop 10: Fly Half
2: Hooker 11, 14: Wing
4, 5: Lock 12: Inside Center
6, 7: Flanker 13: Outside Center
8: Number 8 15: Full Back
9: Scrum Half 16-23: Finishers
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