Rugby is one of the most thrilling and demanding physical sports played by millions around the world.
Rugby comes in different forms, with each bearing its peculiar style and rules for playing.
Be it the traditional 15-player version or the speedy 7-a-side version, rugby has got something to offer everyone.
Now, let’s look at the format of the game in detail, right from its history to the rules and types of rugby games.
History of Rugby Sport
Rugby originated in England during the 19th century.
The sport got its name from the school in which it was first played Rugby School.
According to historical tales, a student named William Webb Ellis fell onto a soccer ball and then took off running, an act considered to be the origination of the game rugby; although, it would take many years and variations to evolve into the sport as it is today.
Rugby grew very fast, and by 1871, the first official rugby match was between England and Scotland.
As a rule, after some time, the event spread to other states: New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, and France, where it became extremely popular.
Nowadays, rugby is played in more than 100 countries and boasts rich competition and sportsmanship history.
How to Play Rugby Game
Rugby is a team sport whereby the object is to carry or kick the ball into the opponent’s try zone in order to score points.
Rugby is played on a rectangular grass field with goalposts at each end.
Teams consist of either 15 or 7 players, depending on the format chosen for the game.
Players can run with the ball or pass it to teammates behind them, but not forward.
The defending team tries to prevent the other attacking team through tackling of the player carrying the ball to the ground.
The team scoring most points at the end of the game wins it.
Main Rules of the Rugby Game
Following are some of the important rules in rugby:
- Passing: Players can only pass backward or laterally. They cannot be forwarded.
- Tackling: a player is allowed to tackle his opponent to stop that player from running with the ball.
- Scoring: There are several ways in which points can be scored:
- Try: Carrying the ball into the opponent’s try zone and grounding it (5 points).
- Conversion: A kick of the ball between the posts following a try: 2 points.
- Penalty Kick: A kick through the posts after a foul by the other team; 3 points.
- Drop Goal: A kick between the posts during open play, which serves as 3 points.
Rugby 15s
Rugby 15s, or otherwise known as Rugby Union, is the original and most prevalent form.
As the name itself says, there are 15 players on each team on the field.
The game runs for 80 minutes because it is divided into two halves that last 40 minutes each.
Rugby 15s, however, is much more formalized and tactical, with players specializing either in being forwards-scrummaging, for example, backs, where speed and passing are stressed.
Scrumming, lineouts, and set plays involve coordination and cooperation in the game.
Rugby 7s
Rugby 7s is, in general, a much quicker version of rugby, played between teams comprising just seven players.
The game is, moreover, much shorter, with two halves of seven minutes each.
Because there are fewer players on the field, there is more space, hence more open play and fast, exciting action.
Rugby 7s popularity has increased exponentially, especially in international events such as the World Rugby Sevens Series.
Its inclusion in the Olympic Games also lifted its status worldwide.
Touch Rugby- Touch 7s or T7s
Touch Rugby has no contact, hence it is non-violent and thus suitable for novices and those who do not want to be part of a very physical sport.
Instead, there is no tackling; rather, players “touch” the opponent with the ball to stop the game.
Touch Rugby has a standard 7 players per team but without the full-on physicality of Rugby 7s.
It is the perfect format to learn basic rugby skills-passing, running, teamwork-without any chance of injuries.
It’s also pretty popular at schools and community leagues, as it’s quite easy to play, as well as fun for people of all ages.
Rugby Tens
Another variation is Rugby Tens, which amalgamates some aspects of Rugby 15s and Rugby 7s.
One team has 10 players, and the match is played for 20 minutes, divided into two halves, with each half lasting 10 minutes.
Rugby Tens strikes a perfect balance between the structure of 15s and the speed of 7s, hence making it a darling for tournaments.
It is also a format often utilized in countries where rugby participation may still be developing, providing players with an ability to get a feel for a more open game while still experiencing the strategic elements of rugby.
Expressions Commonly Used
Understanding a few key rugby terms will help in following the game better:
- Scrum: a contest between the forwards of both teams where they push against each other in opposition for possession of the ball following a minor infringement of the rules.
- Lineout: The procedure for resuming play when the ball has gone out of bounds in which players of both teams jump to catch.
- Try The act of touching the ball down in the opponent’s try zone, scoring 5 points.
- Conversion: A kick taken after a try in an attempt to score an extra 2 points.
- Knock-on: This is considered when a player knocks the ball forward either with their hands or arms, hence resulting in a scrum for their opponents.
Conclusion
Rugby is a great, energetic sport that comes in various forms: Rugby 15s, Rugby 7s, Touch Rugby, and Rugby Tens.
Each one presents its challenges and at the same time its fun, whether one prefers a truly fast-flowing game or a strategic, more structured match.
Your appreciation of the sport will grow once you understand the rules and different game formats.
Rugby is for everyone, whether it be at a beginner, intermediate, or professional level.
Rugby can be played both in its traditional 15s format and its speedy 7s format, thus allowing for different types of players.
If one is new to the game, he could begin with Touch Rugby as an introductory way to reach the more ‘full-contact’ versions.
Whichever version one plays, one will find rugby a sport replete with passion, excitement, and teamwork.
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