Rugby Union is an exciting and physical sport with a clear set of rules and regulations.
Some of rugby’s most essential parts are penalties. Knowing why, how, and when they will happen makes the game much more enjoyable for fans and players.
Let’s explore the intricacies of penalties in Rugby Union, their impact on the flow of a match, and the common ones you’ll frequently encounter.
What is Rugby Union?
The most prevalent version is Rugby Union, which has 15 players on each team. In this kind of rugby, the players take the ball and run with it, making a pass or kick to score points over the other team in their try zone.
This game features a high-rated concrete tempo of recreational moves, physical contact, and coordination among the members.
While the game may appear rough and tumble, strict rules govern its fairness. When a participant or team breaches the rules, the game is kept fair through penalties.
Rugby Union Penalty Explained
In Rugby Union, one team is given a penalty by the referee if one of its players commits an offense.
Then, the opposing team can choose what they can do with the penalty. There are several options:
- Kick for Goal: This option involves the team kicking the ball towards the goalposts. Once the ball passes through, the team scores 3 points.
- Kick for Touch: A team may kick the ball into touch to restart the game, closer to the opponent’s try line, with a lineout.
- Quick Tap: A light tap of the ball with the foot is enough to take play immediately after, catching opponents off guard.
- Scrum: This is mainly decided by the team, whereby the forwards of the two teams contest for the ball in a scrum.
Scoring in Rugby
There are different manners of scoring in Rugby Union. Here’s how it works:
- Try: A player grounds the ball in the opponent’s try zone for 5 points.
- Conversion: After a try has been scored, conversion is where the team kicks the ball between the goalposts for an additional 2 points.
- Penalty Kick: A penalty kick by the team, where if the other team performs a penalty, there must be the kicking of the ball through the posts for 3 points.
- Drop Goal: During open play, a player can drop and kick the ball between the posts for 3 points.
Penalties are a significant factor in scoring.
A team giving away too many penalties may allow their opponents to score a few penalty kicks and attain better field positions.
Scrums, Rucks, and Mauls in Rugby Union
Understanding some of these scrums, rucks, and mauls will help you better understand the penalties in Rugby Union.
These are the common ways to restart play after the ball goes out or after a tackle.
Scrum
A scrum starts the game again after a minor infringement, such as a forward pass, knock-on, etc.
Then, both teams bind their forwards together, each lead pushing against the other as the ball gets in the middle.
The victims of the scrum continue playing with the ball.
Scrum or Ruck
Once tackled, the players form a ruck at the site, where players from both sides try to gain possession on the ground.
Players must keep their feet and bind well; otherwise, sanctions will be imposed on them.
Maul
Like a ruck, the player maintaining possession of the ball still has ground contact.
Players of both teams surround the ball carrier and attempt to push the maul forward or gain possession of the ball.
Scrums, rucks, and mauls are common areas where players are penalized for breaking the rules.
They are knowing how these set pieces work will facilitate visualization of where the penalties come in.
5 Most Common Rugby Penalties
Now that you know what a penalty is and how it affects the game, let’s look at the five most common Rugby Union penalties you’ll likely see.
Offside
Players must stay behind the ball during play. They cannot interfere with play if they are ahead of the ball (offside).
Being offside is one of the most common penalties in Rugby Union.
When a player breaks this rule, the opposing team is awarded a penalty.
Not Releasing the Ball
After a player is tackled, they must release the ball immediately. This allows the game to keep moving.
The referee will penalize the other team if the player doesn’t release the ball fast enough.
High Tackle
Tackling is allowed, but players must tackle their opponents below the shoulders.
A high tackle (around the neck or head) is dangerous and results in a penalty. The safety of players is essential in Rugby Union, and high tackles are taken seriously.
Scrum Offenses
Scrums are powerful and complex parts of the game. If a player fails to bind correctly, collapses the scrum, or pushes too early, the referee can award the other team a penalty.
Not Rolling Away
After making a tackle, the tackler must roll away from the ball to allow the other players to play it.
If they fail to do so, they will concede a penalty. This helps keep the game flowing and prevents unfair blocking of the ball.
Why Penalties Matter
Penalties in the Rugby Union aim to maintain fairness.
The most important things about penalties are that they keep the players in check regarding adhering to the rules and that they allow teams to score or gain an advantage.
A team that continually gives away penalties can lose field position or concede points, while its disciplined opponent may take advantage of their opponent’s error.
Conclusion
Rugby Union penalties are a large part of how the game is molded.
They keep the competition fair and the players in check so they do not deliberately break any rules.
From offside to high tackles, penalties affect how teams play and often alter the result of any match.
Understanding these penalties will grant fans and players even more appreciation of the game.
To learn more about rugby and understand it in detail, look at our recent articles.
You may also look at our latest blog on the Difference Between Rugby and American Football for a far better understanding of the rules and style of Rugby Union compared to other sports.