Not only is Rugby Union one of the greatest games known for mixing strategy, teamwork, and raw physicality perfectly, but its rules and gameplay might just be a bit overwhelming at first if you happen to be a total newcomer to the sport.
But have no fear! So, I’m going to demystify that for you, give you a real understanding of this amazing sport. Here is everything that you need to know when it comes to the great sport of Rugby Union.
What is Rugby Union?
Rugby Union is a highly competitive and exhilarating team sport.
It involves two teams that try to outscore each other in carrying, passing, or kicking the ball to the line of the opponent’s goal in order to score. The team that accumulates the most number of points within the time allowed for play wins the match.
The Rugby Union Pitch
A rugby pitch is a rectangular field with fixed dimensions. Length not to exceed 100 meters, width 70 meters. The pitch is a rectangle, and the length between the try lines—these are the lines the ball must cross for a try, which can be likened to the touchdown in American football (we shall talk about scoring in a jiffy).
Team Composition in Rugby Union Fifteen players will constitute a rugby team on the field at any one given time. These are further divided into two big groups: forwards and backs. Normally, the forwards, also called the pack, are the larger and stronger players. Mainly, it’s for the ball possession, and their work usually involves creating scoring opportunities. The backs, however, are quicker and usually very agile, with their task mostly trying to score.
Duration of a Rugby Union Match In a traditional rugby game, play is divided into two 40-minute halves. After the first 20-minute period, the two teams change ends and the intermission between the two halves is 10 minutes, during which the players rest and receive coaching instructions for any changes that may need to be implemented.
Starting the Game: The Kickoff
The game commences with a kickoff. One team is selected by a coin toss to drop the ball toward their opponents from a height of at least one meter. The drop must travel at least ten meters towards the center of the field.
The receiving team aims to catch the ball and gain possession to initiate their attack.
Basic Gameplay in Rugby Union
In rugby, players can pass the ball to their teammates either by hand or by kicking it.
The player may also decide to run with the ball himself, trying to dodge the opposition and make ground towards the opponent’s goal line. But the ball cannot be passed forward to a teammate; a pass forward is considered a breach resulting in a scrum.
Tackling and Defending in Rugby Union
However, the most important part of the game is the tackle; in less wordy forms, it is simply one player bringing down an opponent who has possession of the ball to the ground. A tackle is the wrapping of the arms around the ball carrier and bringing them down safely. Defending requires players to work together to stop the attacking team from scoring tries.
Set Pieces in Rugby Union: Scrums and Lineouts
A scrum is a method of restarting play, binding of the forwards of both teams to contest for possession of the ball, in case there has been a minor infringement, like knocking on (when the ball has been dropped forward).
A Lineout, on the other hand, is a restart of play after the ball has gone out of play. In a lineout, the two teams’ players compete to catch the ball from the point it has been thrown in from the sidelines.
Scoring Points in Rugby Union:
It is a game where the only four ways of scoring points go as follows: tries, conversions, penalty kicks, and drop goals. A try is scored when a player touches the ball down in the opponent’s in-goal area; worth five points.
After a try, the scoring team has the opportunity to add two more points with a conversion kick. Lastly, during open play, any team can attempt a drop goal. A drop goal is scored with a ball dropped to the ground and kicked between the goalposts.
Penalties and Fouls in Rugby Union
Certain actions in rugby are considered fouls and result in penalties. These include offsides (a player is in front of either a teammate that has the ball or in front of the ball itself), high tackles (tackles that are above the waist and below the neck of an opponent), and foul play (meant deliberately dangerous play to an opponent).
Essential Equipment and Gear for Rugby Union
The equipment required for playing rugby is minimal but necessary. A rugby player should put on rugby cleats or boots, and the use of a mouth guard for protecting the teeth and gums from injury due to physical contact is always a recommendation. Headgear and padded equipment under the jersey are also allowed for additional protection.
Rules and Strategies
A thorough understanding of the rules and strategies in rugby will increase your appreciation for the game by a great percentage. After all, team games whose objectives may, in fact, include even the dimensions of the field, the composition of the team, or the techniques in play will not be new to you, and thus you will only appreciate the skills and athleticism that go into every game.
So, whether you’re planning to play or just watch, you’re now ready to dive into the thrilling world of Rugby Union!
Advanced Rugby Uniton – Top 5 Set Plays
1. The Lineout Drive: A Show of Unity and Strength
Imagine eight players lifting, catching, and then surging forward as one. The lineout drive starts with precision. A jumper soars, securing the ball. Instantly, teammates bind around him, propelling the maul toward the try line. It’s a breathtaking display of teamwork, often unstoppable, leading to thrilling scores. This play showcases the raw power and collective effort that rugby union embodies.
2. The Cross-Field Kick: Precision Meets Opportunity
Next, we witness the audacity of the cross-field kick. Picture this: amidst the chaos, a fly-half spots his winger’s outstretched hand, signaling a daring gamble. With a swift kick, the ball arcs over the defense, landing perfectly into the sprinting winger’s path. It’s a heart-stopping moment, turning the tide of the game with finesse and pinpoint accuracy. This play merges the thrill of risk with the beauty of skillful execution.
3. The Scrum Pushover Try: A Test of Willpower
At the core of rugby’s soul is the scrum pushover try. Here, eight forwards lock horns with their counterparts, pushing with every ounce of their being. The ball, nestled at their feet, inches closer to the try line with each collective shove. It’s a raw display of power, determination, and grit. When the ball finally crosses the line, it’s not just a score; it’s a declaration of dominance.
4. The Dummy Scissors: Deception in Motion
The dummy scissors is where strategy plays its cunning hand. Imagine the fly-half charging forward, a teammate darts across in a scissors move. But wait, it’s a feint! The ball never leaves the fly-half’s hands, who then breaks through the bewildered defense. This maneuver is rugby’s sleight of hand, a moment where clever misdirection creates breathtaking breaks in the line.
5. The Quick Tap Penalty: Catching the Defense Off-Guard
Lastly, the quick tap penalty exemplifies rugby’s relentless pace. While the opposition regroups, expecting a kick for touch, the scrum-half taps the ball and surges forward. It’s a play born from quick thinking and quicker action, exploiting moments of hesitation. This electrifying decision often leads to spectacular tries, reminding us that in rugby, alertness can be as deadly as strength.
