Introduction
Rugby is one of the world’s most thrilling contact sports. It combines strategy, strength, speed, and teamwork. The game originated in England in the 1800s. Today, millions of people play and watch rugby worldwide.
Understanding rugby rules can seem confusing at first. There are tackles, scrums, rucks, and many other technical terms. But don’t worry. This guide breaks down the rules of rugby in simple language. Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone who wants to understand the game better, you’ll find everything here.
Rugby has two main versions: Rugby Union (15 players per side) and Rugby Sevens (7 players per side). Both versions follow similar basic rules in rugby. The main difference is team size and match duration. This guide covers both formats, with special focus on rugby rules for beginners.
The beauty of rugby lies in its continuous play. Unlike American football, the action rarely stops. Players must think quickly and work together. The rules of rugby reward skill, bravery, and fair play. Let’s dive into how this amazing sport works.
Object of the Game
The main goal in rugby is simple. Your team needs to score more points than the opposition. You do this by carrying, passing, or kicking the ball down the field.
Primary Objectives
Scoring Tries The biggest way to score is by grounding the ball in the opponent’s try zone. This area is called the in-goal area. You must physically touch the ball down on or behind the goal line. Simply running into the area isn’t enough.
Maintaining Possession Keeping control of the ball is critical. Teams pass the ball backward to teammates. They advance forward by running with the ball or kicking it ahead.
Territorial Advantage Moving the ball into opponent territory puts pressure on them. The closer you get to their try line, the easier it becomes to score.
Defensive Excellence When you don’t have the ball, your job is to stop the opposition. You tackle ball carriers. You compete for possession at breakdowns. You prevent them from scoring.
Key Principles
Rugby rewards teams that:
- Work together as a unit
- Support the ball carrier
- Recycle possession quickly
- Make smart tactical decisions
- Show discipline and control
These rugby game rules apply whether you’re playing 15-a-side or rugby sevens rules.
Players & Equipment
Team Structure
Rugby Union (15-a-side)
Each team has 15 players on the field. They’re divided into two groups:
Forwards (8 players)
- 1 and 3: Props
- 2: Hooker
- 4 and 5: Locks
- 6 and 7: Flankers
- 8: Number Eight
Forwards are typically bigger and stronger. They contest scrums, lineouts, rucks, and mauls. They do the heavy physical work.
Backs (7 players)
- 9: Scrum-half
- 10: Fly-half
- 11 and 14: Wingers
- 12 and 13: Centers
- 15: Fullback
Backs are usually faster and more agile. They handle most of the passing and try-scoring. They exploit space created by forwards.
Rugby Sevens (7-a-side)
Rugby sevens is played with seven players: three forwards and four backs. The reduced team size creates more space on the field. This makes seven a side rugby rules favor speed over size.
Olympic rugby rules follow the sevens format. It’s faster-paced and more open than traditional rugby.
Essential Equipment
The Ball
- Oval-shaped leather or synthetic ball
- Size 5 for adult play
- Must be properly inflated
- White or approved colors
Player Uniforms
- Jersey (team colors with player number)
- Shorts
- Socks
- Boots with studs (not longer than 21mm)
Protective Gear (Optional)
- Mouthguard (highly recommended)
- Headgear (soft padded protection)
- Shoulder pads (thin padding only)
- Shin guards
Rugby doesn’t allow hard protective equipment. No helmets like American football. Players rely on proper technique for safety.
The Field
| Dimension | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Length | 100 meters (109 yards) |
| Width | 70 meters (77 yards) |
| In-goal area | 10-22 meters deep |
| Goal posts | 5.6 meters apart |
| Crossbar height | 3 meters |
The field has several important lines:
- Try line (goal line)
- 22-meter line
- 10-meter line
- Halfway line
These markings are crucial for understanding main rugby rules about territory and restarts.
Scoring
Understanding how to score points is essential for learning rugby rules explained.
Point Values
| Scoring Method | Points | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Try | 5 points | Grounding ball in opponent’s in-goal area |
| Conversion | 2 points | Kick through goal posts after a try |
| Penalty Kick | 3 points | Kick awarded after serious foul |
| Drop Goal | 3 points | Kick during open play |
Try (5 Points)
A try is rugby’s most exciting score. Score tries by touching the ball down behind a goal line.
How to Score a Try:
- Carry the ball into the in-goal area
- Place the ball on the ground with downward pressure
- Maintain control until the ball touches the ground
- The referee signals the try
You can also score by:
- Diving and grounding the ball
- Falling on a loose ball in the in-goal
- Pushing a grounded ball with your hand
You cannot score by:
- Just running into the area without grounding
- Dropping the ball before grounding
- Being held up off the ground
Conversion (2 Points)
After scoring a try, the team gets a conversion attempt. The kicker places the ball anywhere in line with where the try was scored.
Conversion Rules:
- Must kick from behind where try was scored
- Can place ball anywhere on that line
- Ball must go between posts and over crossbar
- Opposition must stand behind their goal line
Scoring near the center makes conversions easier. Tries in the corner are harder to convert.
Penalty Kick (3 Points)
When the opposition commits a serious foul, your team may receive a penalty. You can choose to kick for goal.
Penalty Kick Requirements:
- Must kick from where penalty was awarded
- Can use a kicking tee
- Ball must go between posts and over crossbar
- Opposition must retreat 10 meters
Teams usually kick penalties when within range (40-50 meters or less).
Drop Goal (3 Points)
During open play, any player can attempt a drop goal. The ball must bounce off the ground before being kicked.
Drop Goal Technique:
- Drop the ball onto the ground
- Kick it as it bounces up
- Ball must go over crossbar and between posts
- Can be attempted from anywhere
Drop goals are tactical plays. Teams use them when tied late in games or when attacking stalls.
Rugby Sevens Scoring Differences
The rules of rugby sevens have slight scoring variations:
- Try values remain the same (5 points)
- Conversions must be drop-kicked
- Team that scored kicks off (not the opposition)
- Less time for conversion attempts
Olympic rugby rules follow these sevens scoring guidelines.
Winning the Game
Standard Match Duration
Rugby Union (15-a-side)
- Two halves of 40 minutes each
- Total playing time: 80 minutes
- Halftime break: 10-15 minutes maximum
- Stoppage time added by referee
Rugby Sevens
- Two halves of 7 minutes each (14 minutes total)
- Finals may be 10 minutes per half
- Much faster pace than 15s
- Quick turnarounds between matches
Determining the Winner
The team with the most points when time expires wins. Simple as that.
If Scores Are Tied:
- Regular season matches may end in a draw
- Knockout competitions use extra time
- Some tournaments use sudden death
- Penalty shootouts rarely used
Match Flow
Kickoff The game starts with a kickoff from the center. The ball must travel at least 10 meters forward. Opposition can contest once it crosses that line.
Restarts After Scoring
- After a try and conversion: opposition kicks off
- In sevens: team that scored kicks off (big difference!)
Continuous Play Rugby features continuous action. The clock keeps running during:
- Tackles and rucks
- Scrums and lineouts
- Minor stoppages
The referee only stops the clock for:
- Injuries requiring treatment
- Time-wasting
- Water breaks (hot weather)
- Disciplinary issues
This continuous flow makes rugby exhausting but exciting.
Australian Rules vs Rugby
Many people confuse these sports. Here’s the key difference: Australian Rules Football is completely different. It uses a round ball, different field, and different scoring. Rugby uses an oval ball and the rules covered in this guide.
Detailed Rules of Rugby
Now let’s dive deep into the main rugby rules. This section covers rugby rules for dummies in clear, simple terms.
1. Ball Movement Rules
Forward Passing is Illegal
This is the most fundamental rule. A player is offside in open play if that player is in front of a team-mate who is carrying the ball or who last played it.
- You can only pass the ball backward or sideways
- Throwing the ball forward results in a scrum
- The pass direction is judged by where the ball travels
- Even if you’re facing backward, the pass must travel backward
Backward Passing Technique:
- Ball must leave hands traveling toward your own goal line
- Can pass sideways (lateral pass)
- Receiver can be ahead of you when pass is released
- It’s where the ball travels, not player positions
Kicking Forward is Allowed
Unlike passing, you can kick the ball forward anytime:
- Punt kicks
- Drop kicks
- Grubber kicks (along the ground)
- Chip kicks (short kicks over defenders)
After kicking, special offside rules apply.
2. The Offside Rule in Rugby
The offside rule in rugby union confuses many beginners. Let’s break it down.
What is the Offside Rule in Rugby?
A player in an offside position is forbidden from interfering with play in any way. You’re offside if you’re in front of a teammate who has the ball or last played it.
Basic Offside Principle:
- Must be behind the ball or ball carrier
- Can’t gain advantage from offside position
- Must retreat if caught offside
- Interfering while offside draws a penalty
Offside in Different Situations:
Open Play Offside
- You’re ahead of your teammate with the ball
- You’re ahead after your teammate kicks
- Solution: retreat until put onside
Ruck and Maul Offside
- Players must stay behind the last foot of their teammates in the ruck
- Opposition must retreat to their side
- Cannot join from the side
- Must come through the “gate”
Scrum Offside
- Backs must stay 5 meters behind the scrum
- Cannot advance until ball emerges
- Scrum-half has special position privileges
Lineout Offside
- Must stay 10 meters back if not participating
- Jumpers must be straight
- Cannot interfere with opposition jumpers
After a Kick
- Players ahead of the kicker are offside
- Must retreat until put onside
- Being put onside happens when:
- The kicker runs past you
- A teammate behind the kicker runs past you
- Opposition plays the ball
Accidental Offside Sometimes you’re accidentally offside. The referee stops play and awards a scrum. This happens when:
- The ball bounces off an offside player unintentionally
- You couldn’t avoid being in an offside position
Understanding what is the offside rule in rugby is crucial for playing and watching the game.
3. Tackling Rules
Tackling is rugby’s defining physical element. But it must be done safely.
Legal Tackling Requirements:
Rugby players are taught to use their arms and shoulders when making contact with opponents. Here’s what’s legal:
- Tackle ball carrier only (not players without the ball)
- Use arms to wrap around opponent
- Tackle below the shoulders
- Aim for waist to thigh area
- Bring opponent safely to ground
Illegal Tackles (Result in Penalties):
High Tackles
- Tackles above the base of the sternum are liable to penalty
- Anything above shoulders is dangerous
- Head contact is extremely serious
- Yellow or red card often given
Dangerous Tackles
- Spear tackles (lifting and driving into ground)
- Tip tackles (turning player upside down)
- Late tackles (after ball is released)
- No-arm tackles (shoulder charges)
- Tripping or stomping
Tackle Responsibilities:
Ball Carrier Must:
- Release ball immediately when tackled
- Cannot hold onto ball on ground
- Must place or pass the ball
Tackler Must:
- Release tackled player immediately
- Move away from ball
- Get back to feet before playing ball
- Not slow down opposition possession
4. Ruck Rules
A ruck forms when the ball is on the ground with players from both teams over it.
Ruck Formation:
- At least one player from each team
- Players must be on their feet
- Bound together over the ball
- Ball must be on the ground
Ruck Rules:
Legal Actions:
- Drive forward over the ball
- Bind onto teammates
- Push opposition backward
- Stay on your feet
Illegal Actions:
- Players who were part of a ruck may not play an opponent taking the ball from the ruck
- Joining from the side
- Going off your feet
- Handling ball on ground
- Collapsing the ruck
Offside at Rucks:
- Must stay behind last foot of your teammates
- Cannot overtake the ball on your side
- Must come through the gate (behind your teammates)
5. Maul Rules
A maul is similar to a ruck but the ball carrier stays on their feet.
Maul Formation:
- Ball carrier on feet
- At least one teammate bound to carrier
- At least one opposition player bound on
- Ball off the ground
Maul Rules:
- Can drive maul forward
- Ball carrier can move within maul
- Must use maul immediately (no stalling)
- If maul stops moving, use it or lose it
- Defending team can collapse if moving backward
Maul Offside: Same principles as ruck offside.
6. Scrum Rules
Scrums restart play after minor infractions like forward passes.
Scrum Formation:
Rugby Union (15s):
- 8 forwards per team
- 3-4-1 formation (3 front row, 4 second row, 1 back row)
- Teams bind and push against each other
- Ball fed into the tunnel by scrum-half
Rugby Sevens:
- Three forwards of each team face each other in a single line
- Less powerful than 15s scrums
- Faster ball delivery
Scrum Sequence:
- Front rows crouch and bind
- Referee calls “bind”
- Referee calls “set”
- Scrum-half feeds ball straight
- Hooker attempts to hook ball back
- Number 8 controls ball at back
- Scrum-half retrieves ball
Scrum Penalties:
Feeding Team:
- Must feed ball straight
- Cannot delay feeding
- Scrum-half cannot touch ball until it emerges
Both Teams:
- Cannot wheel scrum more than 90 degrees
- Cannot collapse scrum (dangerous)
- Cannot push before ball is in
- Front row cannot pop up
New 2025 Rules: Teams must be ready to form a scrum within 30 seconds of it being awarded. This speeds up play.
7. Lineout Rules
Lineouts restart play when ball goes out of bounds.
Lineout Basics:
- Thrown in from touchline
- Teams form two parallel lines
- Throwing team chooses number of players
- Opposition matches the number
- Players jump to catch ball
Lineout Requirements:
Throwing Team:
- Must throw straight down the middle
- Throw from exact spot ball went out
- Can throw to any teammate
- Can call coded moves
Both Teams:
- Must stay 5 meters from touchline
- Cannot push opposition before ball arrives
- Jumpers cannot obstruct opposition jumpers
- Support players can lift jumpers
Lineout Offside:
- Non-participants stay 10 meters back
- Cannot cross into lineout area
- Must wait for ball to be played
8. Penalty and Free Kick Options
When you receive a penalty, you have several choices:
1. Kick for Goal (3 points) Take the points if within kicking range.
2. Kick for Touch Kick ball out of bounds to gain territory. You get the lineout throw.
3. Tap and Go Quick tap on the ball and run immediately. Keeps pressure on opposition.
4. Scrum Choose a scrum if your pack is dominant.
Free Kicks (less serious infractions): Same options except cannot kick for goal.
9. Knock-On Rule
A knock-on occurs when:
- Ball travels forward off hands or arms
- Ball hits hand and goes forward
- Ball drops forward from hands
Result: Scrum to opposition where knock-on occurred.
Advantage Rule: If opposition gains advantage after knock-on, play continues. This keeps game flowing.
10. Advantage Rule
This is one of rugby’s best rules. When one team infringes, the referee doesn’t immediately stop play.
How Advantage Works:
- Team commits penalty
- Referee signals advantage
- Non-offending team plays on
- If they gain advantage, play continues
- If not, referee brings play back for penalty
Advantage Benefits:
- Keeps game flowing
- Rewards attacking play
- Prevents tactical fouls from helping the offender
Advantage length depends on the severity of the infringement.
11. Yellow and Red Cards
Rugby has a strict disciplinary system.
Yellow Card: Players caught disregarding these rules receive a yellow card and are forced to sit on the bench for ten minutes in rugby fifteens and two minutes in rugby sevens.
Yellow Card Offenses:
- Repeated team penalties
- Professional foul (cynical play)
- Dangerous play
- Dissent to referee
Red Card: Serious offenses can result in a red card, with the chance of suspending the athlete for weeks.
Red Card Offenses:
- Very dangerous play
- Striking an opponent
- Head contact in tackles
- Biting or eye-gouging
- Repeated yellow card offenses
A red-carded player cannot be replaced. Team plays with one less player for the remainder of the match.
12. Substitutions
Rugby Union (15s):
- 8 substitutes on bench
- Can replace injured players
- Can make tactical substitutions
- Replaced players cannot return (except for injury)
Rugby Sevens:
- 5 substitutes on bench
- Rolling substitutions allowed
- Players can return after being substituted
- More flexibility than 15s
13. Discipline and Fair Play
Rugby prides itself on respect and discipline.
Expected Behavior:
- Respect the referee’s decisions
- No arguing or dissent
- Shake hands after the match
- Help injured opponents
- Only the captain speaks to referee
Unsporting Conduct:
- Time wasting
- Simulation (faking injury)
- Verbally abusing opponents
- Disrespecting officials
These simple rules in rugby create a culture of respect unique to the sport.
14. Special Circumstances
Drop-Out Rules:
- 22-meter drop-out after ball goes dead from defending team
- Must be drop-kicked from 22-meter line or deeper
- Ball must go at least 10 meters
Mark (Fair Catch):
- Call “mark” when catching kick inside your 22
- Must catch cleanly
- Grants free kick from spot of catch
- Gives time to organize
Quick Throw-In:
- Can take lineout quickly before it forms
- Must use same ball
- No opposition between ball and touchline
- Great attacking weapon
Rugby Sevens vs Rugby Union: Key Differences
Many people want to understand the rules of rugby sevens compared to traditional rugby.
Main Differences Table
| Aspect | Rugby Union (15s) | Rugby Sevens | Olympic Rugby Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Players per team | 15 | 7 | 7 |
| Match duration | 80 minutes (40 min halves) | 14 minutes (7 min halves) | 14 minutes (finals: 20 min) |
| Substitutes | 8 | 5 | 5 |
| Conversions | Place kick | Drop kick only | Drop kick only |
| Scrum players | 8 per team | 3 per team | 3 per team |
| Restart after score | Opposition kicks off | Scoring team kicks off | Scoring team kicks off |
| Sin bin duration | 10 minutes | 2 minutes | 2 minutes |
Why Rugby Sevens is Different
The reduced player count creates massive spaces. This makes seven a side rugby rules emphasize:
- Speed over size
- Fitness and stamina
- Ball skills and handling
- Attacking play
- Individual brilliance
Rugby sevens players cover the same full-size pitch with half the players. This creates a wide-open, high-scoring game.
Basic Rules in Rugby Sevens
The fundamental rules remain the same:
- Cannot pass forward
- Must ground ball for tries
- Same offside principles
- Same tackle requirements
- Same respect for officials
The main differences are match format and minor technical adjustments.
Common Questions About Rugby Rules
Are There Any Rules in Rugby?
Yes! Rugby has comprehensive rules (officially called “laws”). The World Rugby Law Book contains all official regulations. These laws ensure player safety, fair play, and consistent standards worldwide.
Rugby isn’t a lawless sport. In fact, it has one of the most detailed rulebooks in team sports.
What Are the 5 Main Rules of Rugby?
The five most essential rules of rugby are:
- No Forward Passing – Ball must travel backward or sideways between teammates
- Ground the Ball for Tries – Must physically touch ball down in in-goal area
- Release When Tackled – Ball carrier must release ball when brought to ground
- Stay Onside – Must be behind the ball or ball carrier to participate in play
- Respect the Game – Show discipline and respect officials’ decisions
These basic rules in rugby form the foundation of the sport.
What Are the Rules for Rugby?
Rugby rules cover:
- How to score (tries, conversions, penalties, drop goals)
- Ball movement (passing, kicking, handling)
- Contact (tackling, rucking, mauling)
- Set pieces (scrums, lineouts)
- Discipline (cards, penalties, free kicks)
- Player conduct (offside, dangerous play, sportsmanship)
This guide has explained all major rugby game rules in detail above.
Tips for Understanding Rugby Better
Watch Key Areas
When watching rugby, focus on:
- The offside line at breakdowns
- Support players behind ball carrier
- Defensive line organization
- Space on the field
- Referee’s hand signals
Learn Referee Signals
Referees use hand signals to communicate:
- Arm straight up: Penalty
- Arm to side: Free kick
- Rolling arms: Knock-on (scrum)
- Touching shoulder: High tackle
- Forming tunnel with arms: Scrum
Start with Rugby Sevens
If you’re new to rugby, start by watching rugby sevens. The faster pace and more open play make it easier to follow. Olympic rugby rules provide great entertainment for beginners.
Once comfortable with sevens, progress to 15-a-side rugby.
Play Touch Rugby
Touch rugby is non-contact rugby. Great for learning:
- Passing techniques
- Running lines
- Support play
- Basic strategies
Many communities offer touch rugby leagues. Perfect for rugby rules for beginners.
Conclusion
Rugby is a sport of honor, skill, and courage. The rules of rugby create a fair contest between two teams. They protect player safety while allowing physical competition.
Understanding rugby rules explained in this guide gives you the foundation. Whether learning rugby rules for dummies or deepening your knowledge, these principles remain constant.
The main rugby rules emphasize:
- Fair competition
- Player safety
- Continuous play
- Respect for officials
- Team collaboration
From rugby sevens rules to full 15-a-side rugby, from Olympic rugby rules to local club matches, these basic rules in rugby apply universally.
The sport rewards intelligence, fitness, courage, and teamwork. Now that you understand the simple rules in rugby, you can appreciate why millions love this game.
Get out there and watch a match. Better yet, find a local club and play. Rugby welcomes everyone. The rugby community values respect above all else.
The rules are just the beginning. The real beauty of rugby is in the playing and watching. See you on the pitch!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the rules of rugby?
The rules of rugby govern how the game is played. Key rules include: no forward passing, must ground the ball to score tries, release the ball when tackled, stay onside, and respect the referee. Rugby has detailed laws covering scoring, contact, set pieces, and discipline. This guide covers all major rugby rules in detail.
What are the rules for rugby?
Rugby rules cover several areas: ball movement (passing backward, kicking forward allowed), scoring (tries worth 5 points, conversions 2 points, penalties and drop goals 3 points), contact (legal tackling below shoulders, rucks and mauls), set pieces (scrums and lineouts), and discipline (yellow and red cards for infractions).
What are the 5 main rules of rugby?
The five main rules of rugby are: (1) No forward passing – ball must travel backward or sideways, (2) Ground the ball for tries – physical downward pressure required, (3) Release when tackled – ball carrier must let go immediately, (4) Stay onside – must be behind the ball or ball carrier, (5) Respect officials – only captain speaks to referee, show sportsmanship.
What is the offside rule in rugby?
The offside rule in rugby prevents players from gaining unfair advantage by being ahead of the ball. You’re offside if you’re in front of a teammate who has the ball or last played it. At breakdowns (rucks and mauls), you must stay behind the last foot of your teammates. Players caught offside must retreat and cannot interfere with play or face a penalty.
What is the offside rule in rugby union?
The offside rule in rugby union states that players must be behind the ball or ball carrier to participate in play. In open play, being ahead of a teammate with the ball makes you offside. At rucks, mauls, and scrums, imaginary offside lines exist – you must stay on your side of these lines. After kicks, players ahead of the kicker are offside until put onside by the kicker or a teammate running past them.
Are there any rules in rugby?
Yes, rugby has comprehensive rules (officially called “laws”). The World Rugby Law Book contains detailed regulations covering every aspect of play. These rules ensure player safety, fair competition, and consistent standards worldwide. Rugby has one of the most detailed and structured rulebooks in team sports, governing everything from scoring to player conduct to equipment specifications.
