RUGBY

About Rugby

Rugby is played on a field with two teams consisting of 15 players in rugby union or 13 players if in rugby league. Players can kick or run with the ball or pass it sideways or backwards but never forward. To score, players must ground the ball over their opponent's goal line or score by kicking the ball over the posts. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins.

Basic Rules

A match is 80mins long split in half with a short half-time break. The game starts with a kick-off from halfway where players from each team try to keep the ball in their hands. The ball cannot be passed forward so players will have to keep behind the player with the ball, ready to catch it at anytime. When the ball carrier is tackled to the ground, they must release the ball so the game can continue, the leads to forming mauls and rucks where teams go head to head for the ball.

Skills Needed

Rugby players need to be safely catch the ball and pass sideways and backwards without dropping the ball. Players must also be able to have a lasting stamina and decent running speed and quick feet to avoid opposing defenders. They also need to learn to safely tackle using the correct head and shoulder position to avoid injury win turnovers. Some positions require grubbers, punts and goal-kicking which are essential skills to master in order to win. Players also need to be aware of others including touchlines, teammates and defender positions. Rugby also requires quick-decision making of when to kick, pass or carry.