What is rugby?

Rugby is a game that is played in over 120 countries throughout the its rich history, traditions, camaraderie and community involvement with the sport.

Through non-contact versions of the game, children as young as six can greatly enjoy rugby. The modified versions of Rugby are created for safety. Mini-rugby 6 to 12 years old, juniors 13 –to 16 years old. Students 17 to 23 and senior rugby. These games are played at both clubs and schools. Senior club rugby, offers players an opportunity to experience the camaraderie of the game. Women's rugby is also popular at clubs and schools internationally. Rugby is traditionally played as a 15-a-side game, and is also very popular as seven-a-side. Sevens is most commonly in the Caribbean as it is a fast game and great for fast and mobile players.While many players continue playing the game well into their adult years, others often choose to experience the benefits offered in rugby by coaching, refereeing, and volunteering with their local schools or club side.

Object of the Game
The object of the game is that two teams of fifteen players each(or 7), should score as many points as possible, by carrying, passing, kicking and grounding the ball with the team scoring the greater number of points being the winner of the match. It is classified as an 'end zone invasion game'. The aim of each team is to gain possession of the ball, take it into opposition territory and to place it in the in-goal area (end zone). Rugby is a game of continuous flow, there is constant competition for the ball at the breakdown. These are called Rucks and Mauls.

Simple Guide to Rugby
Rugby is a continuous game whereby two teams carry, pass, kick and ground the ball in order to score as many points as possible, with the team scoring the greater number of points being the winner.

In Senior rugby (and under 19s), 15 people play at a time per side, each of which have specific duties as a player. Players are usually talked about in respect to two categories. Members of the first group are called the forwards, or the pack, and consist of the first eight players. Members of the second group are called the backs, and consist of the remaining players, numbered 9 to fifteen.
If a player is tackled to the ground they must release the ball, which usually results in a ruck. If a player is held while standing, a maul will usually be formed. The purpose of the ruck or maul is so that the game can continue without any stoppage in play.

The line-out and scrum are two key distinguishing factors to the game of Rugby Union. A scrum occurs when there is an accidental infringement and a line-out occurs when the ball goes out of bounds. Both of these are methods of restarting the game.

A try is scored when a player places the ball in the opposition's in-goal area. It is counted as 5 points and can be converted to an additional 2 points with a successful place kick or drop kick. Points may also be awarded from a drop kick in general play and a penalty kick. Both are worth 3 points.

For more information about Rugby, please see our guide for beginners.