The positions
70 m
Scoring points
22 m
IN-GOAL
GOAL LINE In rugby, each team has 15 players
on the field of play and is numbered
the exact same way. The number of
each player signifies that player’s
position.
22-METER LINE
-Forwards-
5
Typically the larger, stronger players
Try
100 m
10-METER LINE of the team whose main job is to win
possession of the ball.
points
HALF WAY LINE loose head prop
A try is scored when the ball is
TOUCH LINE
hooker touched down in the opposing
team’s in-goal area. This is much
tight head prop
like a touchdown in American
lock football.
lock
flanker
flanker
number 8
-Backs- the smaller, faster and more agile players whose main role is to exploit
possession of the ball won by the forwards.
2
scrum half fly half left wing inside center
outside center right wing full back Conversion points
Moving the ball After a try, two points are awarded
The offense may carry, pass, or kick the ball to move the ball. The defense stops the offense by tackling the for a successful kick through the
ball carrier; the offense can not block the defense. After a tackle, play does not stop. goal posts. The attempt is taken
Running: When running the ball, players may continue to run until they are tackled, step into touch straight out from the point where
(out of bounds) or run beyond the goal line (see scoring a try). Players run the ball to advance toward
the ball was touched down.
the opponent’s goal line.
3
Passing: The ball may be passed to any other player. However it may only be passed laterally or
backward, never forward.
Kicking: Any player may kick the ball forward at any time.
Penalty kick points
After the ball is kicked, players of either team may gain
possession, on the fly or on the ground. Typically, the ball
is kicked in an effort to advance the ball or to move the
ball away from the defensive end.
Ruck: Once a player is tackled, the offensive player Following a major law violation a
places the ball on the ground and is available to any team has the option to kick at goal.
player, offense or defense. The two teams may contest for The kick must be from the point of
the ball. The team that gains or retains possession may run,
pass or kick immediately. the foul, or on a line straight back.
3
Restarting play
Drop goal
There are two methods of restarting play following a stoppage caused by either the ball going into touch (out
of bounds) or because of an infraction of the laws. points
Lineout: If the ball goes into touch, it is restarted Scrum: Rugby’s unique formation is the
with a lineout. Both teams form a line perpen- method used to restart the game after the
dicular to the touch line and one meter apart referee has whistled a minor law violation.
A drop kick may be taken from
from one another. A player on the team not A bound group of players from each team anywhere on the field at any time
responsible for the ball going into touch calls a form a “tunnel” with the opposition. The during play. A drop goal is similar is
play and throws the ball in the air in a straight non-offending team rolls the ball into the similar to a field goal, but in rugbythe
line between the two teams. Players of each middle of the tunnel. Each team pushes kick is taken in the course ofnormal
team may be supported in the air by their forward until one player is able to hook the
teammates as they jump to gain possession of ball with her foot and push it to the back play.
the ball. row players of her team.
