An introduction to one of the fastest-growing sports
BASICS
-40 minute half
-15 players on the field for each team at a time
-7reserves allowed each game
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN RUGBY & FOOTBALL
-Passes must be to the side or behind
-Players can only advance the ball by kicking or running-no throwing
-Play does not stop with a tackle, but is continuous all game
-The same players play offense and defense
-No blocking downfield
POSITIONS
* Loose-head prop (jersey number 1): A big, strong player who is responsible for scrumming in the front row and lifting the jumpers in the line-out.
* Hooker (jersey number 2): This front rower actually hooks the ball with his foot at scrumtime, hence the name; plus he does the throwing at line-outs.
* Tight-head prop (jersey number 3): The rock upon which the scrum is built, he has to be the strongest and most technically proficient player in the pack.
* Locks (jersey numbers 4 and 5): Locks form the second row in the scrum and are normally used as line-out jumpers and restart takers because of their superior height and reliable hands.
* Blindside flanker (jersey number 6): This player must be powerful and make an impact in contact on offense and defense. He must have excellent ball-handling skills.
* Openside flanker (jersey number 7): This is usually the most dynamic and best defensive player on the team, responsible for making critical tackles, creating turnovers, and ranging all over the pitch.
* Number 8 (jersey number 8): This player directs and controls the scrum from the rear and is often a pivotal link between the forwards and the backs.
* Scrumhalf (jersey number 9): Also known as the halfback, this player must be compact and quick, with excellent passing skills and the ability to operate in tight quarters. He is responsible to get the ball from the forwards to the backs.
* Flyhalf (jersey number 10): This is the player who runs the show on the offense either by running, passing, or kicking the ball.
* Wings (jersey numbers 11 and 14): Two of the fastest players on the pitch, the wings must be able to kick and play good positional defense.
* Inside center (jersey number 12): This is a physical player with quickness and power running the ball, and no fear when tackling.
* Outside center (jersey number 13): The outside center is a creative runner and ball-handler with very good speed and solid defensive skills.
* Fullback (jersey number 15): This is the backline general. This player must possess excellent tactical knowledge, have a strong leg for kicking, be an attack-oriented runner, and be the last line of defense.
SCORING
– A try is similar to a touchdown and is worth five points. However, to be awarded a try a player must actually touch the rugby ball down in the in goal.
-Conversion, rugby’s PAT, is worth 2 points. It is kicked 30 yards back from where the try is awarded- so if a team scores a try along the touchline, the conversion is kicked the same distance from the touchline 30 yards back.
– A field goal may be taken at any time or any place on pitch and is worth 3 points
TACKLING
The tackled player
When players are tackled, they must immediately let go of the ball so that play can continue. It is illegal to lie on the ground and keep tight hold of the ball. Tackled players must either immediately pass the ball or release it by placing it on the ground in any direction (ideally, the ball should be placed backwards but that isn’t always possible).
The tackler
When a player tackles an opponent and they both go to the ground, the tackler must immediately release the tackled player. Then he must immediately get to his feet or move away from the tackled player and roll away from the ball
Tackling no-no’s
In addition to the restrictions described above, the following rules also apply:
* A player cannot stop a tackled player from passing the ball.
* A player cannot stop a tackled player from releasing the ball, or from getting up and moving away from it.
* A player is not allowed to pull the ball from a tackled player before he has released it.
* A player may not fall on or over the tackled player.
Most tackles turn into rucks soon afterwards.
WHAT’S A RUCK?
A ruck is formed when two or more players from each side are on their feet over the ball in physical contact with each other after a tackle, or when the ball is on the ground. The first players to arrive at a ruck have to bind to each other or the opposition. The players grab each other around the shoulders or waist, or whatever body part is most handy, and then try to step over the ball, thus driving the opposition back and away from the loose ball. But under no circumstances can they play the ball with their hands.
The ball is won from the ruck when players from one team successfully bind together and drive forward over the ball. Now the ball’s once again available for the scrumhalf, who then distributes it.
WHAT IS A SCRUM?
If the ball becomes unplayable at a tackle, the referee orders a scrum, with possession given to the team that was moving forward prior to stoppage. If no team was moving forward, the scrum feed goes to the attacking team. Six players from each team form a pyramid shape and go head-to-head, or shoulder-to-shoulder. The ball is thrown, or fed, into the channel between the two teams and the hooker tries to kick the ball out the back to the scrumhalf. The scrumhalf will pick up the ball and distribute it and begin the attack for his team.
WHAT IS A LINE-OUT?
A line-out happens when the ball crosses the touchline and is therefore out of play. The hooker on the team awarded the line-out must throw the ball in at least five meters to a teammate who is lifted up to receive the pass. The locks are usually the jumpers on line-outs.
