Rugby union, commonly known as rugby 15s, is governed by a comprehensive set of rules that ensure the game is played fairly and safely. Here are the key rules and principles:
Objective
The primary objective in rugby is to score more points than the opposing team. Points can be scored in several ways:
- Try: Scored by grounding the ball in the opponent's in-goal area (5 points).
- Conversion: A kick at goal following a try, taken from a point in line with where the try was scored (2 points).
- Penalty Kick: Awarded for certain infringements and taken as a place kick at the goal (3 points).
- Drop Goal: Scored by dropping the ball and kicking it as it rebounds off the ground, aiming to get it through the opponent's goalposts (3 points).
Basic Play
- Game Duration: A match consists of two 40-minute halves with a 10-15 minute halftime break.
- The Ball: The game is played with an oval-shaped ball that can be carried, passed, or kicked.
- Passing: Players can pass the ball to teammates but only backward or laterally. Forward passes are not allowed.
- Kicking: Players can kick the ball forward, but teammates must be behind the kicker at the time of the kick to be onside.
Set Pieces
- Scrum: A contest for possession involving eight players from each team who bind together and push against the opposing team's eight players. The ball is fed into the scrum, and teams compete to win it.
- Lineout: A method of restarting play when the ball has gone out of bounds. Players from both teams line up and jump to catch or tap the ball thrown in from the touchline.
- Ruck: Formed when one or more players from each team, who are on their feet and in physical contact, close around the ball on the ground. The ball must be played with the feet.
- Maul: Formed when the ball carrier is held by one or more opponents, and one or more teammates bind on the ball carrier. The ball must be off the ground, and players work to move the maul forward.
Offside
- Players must be behind the ball or the hindmost foot of their teammates in a ruck, maul, or scrum to be onside. Being offside can result in penalties.
Tackling
- Players can tackle opponents to prevent them from advancing. The tackled player must release the ball immediately, and the tackler must release the tackled player and roll away to avoid a penalty.
Fouls and Penalties
- High Tackle: Tackling above the shoulders.
- Knock-on: When a player fumbles the ball forward with their hands or arms.
- Not Releasing: Failing to release the ball after being tackled.
- Collapsing a Scrum or Maul: Intentionally causing a scrum or maul to collapse.
Referees enforce the rules, and their decisions are final. They can award penalties, free kicks, or yellow/red cards for serious infractions. A yellow card results in a 10-minute suspension from the game, while a red card results in permanent expulsion from the match.
Rugby union is a complex and dynamic game, requiring players to exhibit strength, strategy, and sportsmanship.
