Whether you’re looking at playing rugby union yourself, perhaps one of your children has taken it up at school or you’ve watched it on TV and simply want to know more about the game, here is a beginner’s guide to the game.
The game and players
The game itself consists of two halves, each lasting forty minutes, with time added at the end of each of half for any injury stops during the game. Each team consists of fifteen players, who take up positions as either forwards or backs and for international matches, seven substitutes.Each team consists of fifteen players, who take up positions as either forwards or backs and for international matches, seven substitutes.
Referees and rules
There are four officials for a rugby union match, one referee and two touch judges and a fourth official who organises substitutes. Rugby union is also one sport that has moved with the times in terms of technology, and during many international matches, the referee has the added advantage of being able to refer to video replay.Rugby union is also one sport that has moved with the times in terms of technology, and during many international matches, the referee has the added advantage of being able to refer to video replay.
Scoring
Points are scored in rugby through tries, conversions and penalties. Tries score five points and happen when a player puts the ball down, in the in-goal area. This is the area behind the try line, where the posts are, and the dead ball line at the back of the pitch. Once a try has been scored that team has the opportunity to ‘convert’ the try for an additional two points. To convert the try, the player must kick the ball between the posts and over the crossbar. The area behind the try line, where the posts are, and the dead ball line at the back of the pitch. Once a try has been scored that team has the opportunity to ‘convert’ the try for an additional two points. To convert the try, the player must kick the ball between the posts and over the crossbar.
Penalties score three points and are awarded when the opposing side commits an offence, such as passing the ball forward or an illegal tackle.
A drop goal also scores three points and is achieved by a player kicking the ball between the posts and over the crossbar during open play.
If you’re interested in becoming a rugby union referee, England Rugby provides guidance on courses that you can attend to gain your accreditation and resources for existing referees.
As with most sports, rugby union requires a certain level of fitness, as well as skill, and many coaches will use a rugby drill video, such as those provided byhttps://www.sportplan.net/drills/Rugby/, during training sessions.
Rugby union is a great sport to be involved in, and as one of England rugby’s core values is discipline, it’s a great choice for youngsters to take part in.
