A Beginners Guide to Rugby

Rugby. You’ve probably heard of it, maybe even caught glimpses of people in striped shirts crashing into each other. But what exactly is this game, and how do you wrap your head around it if you’re new? Whether you’re a complete novice or just curious about the sport, let’s break it down—step by step.

Rugby Explained

Rugby is a contact sport that traces its origins back to England in the early 19th century. Picture a game of soccer, but with players allowed to run with the ball in hand. That’s where rugby began. The game is played between two teams, each consisting of 15 players on a rectangular field with goalposts at each end. The object of the game is simple: score more points than the opposition.

The game is divided into two halves of 40 minutes each, with a short break in between. Players can score points through tries (like a touchdown but more involved), conversions, penalty kicks, and drop goals. We’ll get to all that shortly.

But first, why is rugby such a big deal? Globally, rugby has amassed a massive following, with over six million people playing the game across 120 countries. It’s also one of the oldest organized sports, with a passionate community and international competitions like the Rugby World Cup that draw fans from every corner of the planet .

Rugby Basics

Alright, let’s get into the basics of the game. Rugby, as mentioned earlier, has 15 players per team. Each team is divided into two main groups: forwards and backs. Forwards are typically the bigger, stronger players whose job is to gain possession of the ball and push the team forward. Backs are the faster, more agile players responsible for moving the ball down the field and trying to score.

One unique aspect of rugby (there’s that word) is the lack of protective gear compared to American football. Sure, there’s some padding and mouthguards, but players rely more on their tackling technique than the equipment to stay safe. A good tackle in rugby is more about finesse than brute strength—a point that sets rugby apart from its American cousin.

Rugby Terms for Beginners

Before you dive headfirst into watching a Rugby match or playing a game, there are a few key terms to familiarize yourself with:

• Try: The most important way to score in rugby. A player touches the ball down in the opposition’s in-goal area (think of it as the rugby equivalent of a touchdown).
• Conversion: After scoring a try, the team can attempt a conversion kick for extra points.
• Scrum: When players pack together to restart the game after a minor infringement.
• Lineout: A method of restarting play where players from both teams line up and jump to catch the ball thrown in from the sideline.
• Ruck: When players converge over a tackled player on the ground to fight for possession of the ball.

Getting these terms down is like learning a new language—once you grasp the basics, everything starts to make sense.

Rugby Rules for Beginners

Rugby has a set of rules, known as the Laws of the Game, that govern how the game is played. If you’re just getting started, don’t worry about memorizing them all right away. Instead, focus on a few key principles that will help you understand what’s going on:

• The Ball Can Only Be Passed Backwards: Players can pass the ball to each other, but it must always go backward. Forward passes aren’t allowed.
• Tackling Is Allowed: Players can tackle opponents to stop them from advancing the ball, but tackles must be below the shoulder line.
• The Game Doesn’t Stop Often: Unlike American football, rugby is a free-flowing game with fewer breaks in play.
• Kicking Is Part of the Game: Players can kick the ball forward, but they must chase it to regain possession.

These are just a few of the rules that will help you grasp the game’s flow, but as with any sport, you’ll pick up the finer details the more you watch and play.

Rugby for Beginners

The beautiful thing about rugby is that it’s not just for seasoned athletes or fitness enthusiasts. Rugby can be played by anyone, regardless of size or experience level. Many beginners’ programs exist across the world that focus on teaching the fundamentals in a supportive environment.

A few beginner tips: Focus on your fitness first—rugby is physically demanding and requires a good balance of strength, endurance, and agility. Secondly, don’t stress about getting everything perfect from the get-go. Learning rugby is a process. Even professional players continue to refine their techniques.

And finally, have fun. Rugby is as much about the camaraderie as it is about the competition. It’s a sport with a long history of inclusivity and sportsmanship, making it a rewarding experience for players at all levels.

How Does Rugby Work?

At its core, rugby is about territory and possession. Teams work to move the ball into the opposition’s territory, either by running it down the field or kicking it forward. Scoring can happen in a variety of ways, but the most important one is the try, which is worth five points. After scoring a try, the team has the opportunity to attempt a conversion kick for two extra points.

Penalty kicks and drop goals are other ways to score. A penalty kick is awarded after a major infringement by the opposing team, and it’s worth three points. A drop goal happens during open play when a player kicks the ball through the goalposts from their hands, also worth three points .

Where Did Rugby Originate?

Rugby’s origins are a bit of a legend. The story goes that in 1823, a young man named William Webb Ellis, while playing a game of football at Rugby School in England, decided to pick up the ball and run with it. This moment is said to have sparked the creation of rugby as we know it today.

While the story may not be entirely accurate, it highlights the game’s unique development. Rugby officially split from football (soccer) in 1871 when the Rugby Football Union was established. Since then, rugby has spread across the globe, evolving into the sport we see today .

How to Watch Rugby

If you’re looking to get into watching rugby, the Rugby World Cup is the perfect place to start. It’s the pinnacle of the sport and features the best teams from around the world competing for the Webb Ellis Cup—named after that same young man who allegedly started it all.

When watching rugby, keep an eye on how teams use their forwards and backs. The forwards will be the ones in the thick of the action, contesting for possession, while the backs will be the players running and kicking the ball downfield. The more you watch, the more you’ll appreciate the strategy and skill involved.

Conclusion

Rugby may seem intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of the basics, it becomes an incredibly exciting sport to watch and play. Whether you’re trying to understand the rules, figuring out how to score, or learning about the rich history of the game, rugby offers something for everyone. With practice, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a fan—or even a player—of this thrilling game.

Frequently Asked Questions