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In Rugby Union, each team attempts to score points by placing the ball to the ground in the opposition’s in-goal area. This is called a try and is worth 5 points. Teams also attempt to kick the ball between the uprights of the opposition’s goal posts (above the crossbar), either when converting a try for 2 points or by scoring a penalty or drop goal for 3 points. The in-goal areas on each side of the pitch are between the goal line - at the centre of which are the goal posts - and the dead ball line. The team with the most points at the end of the match are the winners.
The main cups and championships are the Rugby World Cup, Six Nations Tournament, Rugby Super Twelve and the Tri-Series.
Each half of a game starts with one team kicking off from the centre spot of the halfway line - with the ball having to cross the opposition’s 10 metre line in their half to be considered in play.
The opportunity to convert a try and gain an extra 2 points from a spot kick occurs by allowing an attacking player a choice of kicking distance directly in line with the spot where the try was scored. All the opposition players must remain in their in-goal area whilst the kick is taken. To be successful, the ball must pass between the uprights and above the crossbar.
Penalty kicks are taken from the ground at the place where a foul was committed, with the penalised team not being allowed to interfere. Drop kicks can be attempted at anytime by any player in possession of the ball, and must be struck immediately after impact of the dropped ball to the ground. To be successful and gain 3 points for either penalty or drop kicks, the ball must pass between the uprights and above the crossbar.
A match consists of two 40 minute halves, with a halftime rest period of a maximum of 10 minutes.
Some of the most important rules and techniques in Rugby Union are explained below:
1. Tackling is a defensive tactic where one or more defenders seize, anywhere below the neck, an opponent who must be currently holding the ball. When brought to ground, the held player must immediately release the ball.
2. Line-outs are formed by at least 2 players from each team standing in two straight lines at right angles to the touchline following the ball or the player in possession of the ball touching or crossing the touchline. At this point the ball is thrown in by a player from the opposing team, who decide how many players should line up.
3. Set scrums take place after an offence has occurred. The scrum is formed by 8 players from each team grouped in such a way as to allow the ball to be thrown on the ground between them by the ‘scrumhalf’ of the non-offending team. The opposing ‘hookers’ are responsible for “heeling” the ball backwards to allow one of their own players to take possession of the ball and carry on the game.
A referee assisted by two touch judges ensures that the rules of play are respected on the field. They penalise all rough play or dangerous behaviour by a series of sanctions comprising free kicks, penalties, yellow and red cards. They also penalise any unsportsmanlike conduct that goes against the rules and does not constitute fair play - such as insults or obstruction. All unsportsmanlike conduct results in a penalty.
The referee awards a yellow card warning in the case of rough play or dangerous behaviour, and this results in a 10 minute expulsion. A player is expelled from the game in the case of especially rough play or dangerous behaviour, or if a player has repeatedly contravened the rules, or receives a second yellow card during the game.
Equipment
The regulation size and weight oval ball, constructed from 4 sections, is made of treated leather or polyvinyl chloride (pvc) so that it is water and mud resistant.
Players wear a jersey, shorts, socks, boots and shinpads.
The number worn on the back of the jersey generally corresponds to the player’s position on the field.
Boots normally have screw-in studs of leather, plastic, rubber or aluminium with different lengths for different field conditions.
History
Rugby Union gets its name from being first played with 20 people on each team at Rugby School, in England in 1823. The game was first played with a round ball like soccer, but flouted the rules governing soccer by allowing players to take the ball in their hands. In fact, it was not until 1851 that the oval ball was adopted by the game. A few years earlier in 1843 the first club, Guy’s Hospital, was formed. However, it was 1871 before the first rules were codified under the name of Rugby Football.
An important change occurred in 1877 when the number of players was reduced from 20 to 15, and in 1886 Ireland, Scotland and Wales founded the International Rugby Football Board (IRFB), which established the rules of play. England became a member of the IRFB in 1890. The game became an Olympic sport in 1900 at the Paris Games and remained so until 1924.
The first 5 Nations Championship brought together the 4 IRFB member teams with the addition of France. Then, in 2000, the further addition of Italy spawned the current 6 Nations Championship. The first World Cup was jointly organised by Australia and New Zealand in 1987. The women’s game is now established, with the first World Cup starting in 1991. In 1995, the top level of the men’s game acquired professional status.
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