Rugby is a team sport played by two teams of 15 players that passes, attempt to score by kicking the ball between themselves, and sets of three players from each side run towards each end line where the ball must be dead for it to score. The game is best known for physical contacts, such as tackling and mauling. Rugby began as an amateur sport but has since been professionalized, with varying levels of success. Here are the common rules when playing rugby
Get-in-the-ruck
A scrum or ruck is formed when a player carrying the ball walks over the touchline and returns in possession once their feet are beyond the try line at out of bounds – this can only happen if there was no infringement from either team. The player then “puts it in” to the ruck, and his teammates will form a wall of players around him. The ball carrier will then lift the ball and push it between both sides of players who bind together, forming the ruck.
No free kick
Any infringement such as a knock-on or forward pass is not penalized with a free kick; instead, play continues uninterrupted until the referee stops play or an offside occurs. The only fouls punishable by a free kick are punching, dangerous tackling, or running past the sideline without being passed.
The tackle
A player cannot tackle an opponent who does not have the ball but an attempt to steal it from them. After a tackle, the ball carrier slowly gets up, and play continues. A ruck is formed, and attacking players form a line and may push over the defenders.
No forward pass
Any pass that goes forward towards their opponents’ try line was invalid when Rugby was first created. Instead, the ball may be passed laterally or backward in any direction, including over your shoulder. The only restriction on passing the ball forward is that it must be made from the hands and must never be passed backward.
Sideline
A player is allowed to catch an opponent’s pass at the sideline but is only allowed to run until they touch the ground. The ball carrier may then put it in a ruck, or play will restart.
Fielding
In the scrum, when a player re-joins their pack and cannot continue in possession of the ball (this is often done by acting as a stretcher bearer), they can choose to leave with teammates taking positions on either side them and try to win possession back. If tackled in this situation, they are not allowed to play until the ball is grounded.
Offside
Any player in front of the players’ posts must be 10 meters behind them. If a player is a meter or more behind her teammates, she shall be deemed to be offside.
Mauling
Maul is used when a group of players attempts to gain possession of the ball by pushing past other players and closing in on their opponents. The first two players to hold the ball are then allowed to run forward and pass it forward without opposition from opponents (players may put hands on opponents as long as the contact does not happen too often).
Rugby is a sport that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy. But before you rush out to join the local rugby club, it’s essential to know some rules that might not be written down in your team’s playbook. Rugby is an exciting game with a surprising amount of strategy, but there are also some unwritten codes that everyone should follow.
