The BYU men’s rugby team is seeking a fourth-straight national championship in 2015, and its recent success has drawn new fans into the internationally acclaimed sport. Many have come to appreciate the fast-paced and high-contact action on the rugby pitch, but actually understanding the gameplay can still be difficult. This crash course should help both the casual fan and the newcomer to better understand and appreciate the wonderful game that is rugby.
Players
Fifteen players from each team are allowed on the rugby pitch, and their jersey numbers actually serve as more than just a way to differentiate between players. Numbers one through eight are the “forwards,” while nine through 15 are “backs.” Each player has a specific role on the team, though everyone is expected to be able to perform the fundamentals, such as running, passing and tackling.
Rugby forwards are similar to linemen in football, especially when it comes to scrums. Numbers one and three are called “props,” because their main job is to prop up the No. 2 player (called the “hooker”) on the front line of the scrum. The hooker’s assignment is to “hook” the ball, or kick it back to another player behind the scrum in order to restart the action.
Jerseys four and five are “locks,” as they line up behind the front line to lock-in the first three players. Six and seven are “flankers,” loosely attached to either side of the scrum. Flankers are a lot like linebackers; their top priority is to pursue and tackle if the opposing team wins the ball. Jersey eight is simply called the “eightman.” His job is to keep the ball in the scrum with his feet until the backs are ready to make their move.
Backs are generally faster and more agile than forwards; they’re the players who will usually score “tries” and make tackles. Number nine is called the “scrumhalf,” the link between the forwards and the backs. His job is to put the ball in play in a scrum and help jersey 10, the “flyhalf,” direct the subsequent flow of play. The flyhalf is comparable to a football quarterback. He reads the opposing team’s defense and sets up his team’s strategy. Eleven and 14 are “wings,” usually the fastest players on the team who line up closest to the sidelines. Jerseys 12 and 13 are “centers,” normally the big, strong runners who can power through tacklers. The 15th and final player is the “fullback.” He is similar to a free safety, being the last line of defense for his team.
Gameplay
A rugby match starts with a kickoff similar to that of a football game. The receiving team will then attempt to score a “try” by reaching the opposite end of the field and touching the ball to the ground in the end zone. The opposing team’s primary goal is to stop the other team from scoring by tackling the ball carrier and trying to win the ball for their side.
When a tackle occurs, the tackling player releases the player, who must then release the ball. Any standing player from either team can then attempt to recover the ball and continue playing. Play continues until someone scores or a penalty occurs. In the case of a score, the opposing team will then kick the ball off to the scoring team. If there is a penalty, the referee will either award the ball to the other team or a scrum will take place.
Scoring
Tries are the touchdowns of rugby. They’re worth five points and give the scoring team the opportunity of a “conversion kick.” Conversion kicks represent two additional points. A player can take a kick from as close or as far away from the goalpost as he wants, but it must be directly in line with the spot where the ball touched the ground on the try. Players will therefore attempt to ground the ball as close to the goalpost as possible.
Instead of choosing a scrum after a penalty, a team can decide to take a” penalty kick,” which is worth three points. A “dropped goal” is also worth three points and can be taken at any point during the game. To make a dropped goal, a player must drop the ball and, once it has touched the ground, kick it through the uprights.
Penalties
There are two types of penalties in rugby — “long-arm” and “short-arm” penalties. These terms refer to the signal the referee makes with his arm, either raising it high in the air (long-arm) or just to the level of his head (short-arm). Short-arm penalties are for minor infractions and are more common. They usually result in a scrum for the non-offending team. Long-arm penalties are for persistent infringement or serious violations. As in soccer, the referee can allow the game to continue after a penalty if the opposite team takes immediate advantage.
One of the more common penalties in rugby is the “knock-on.” This occurs when a player is unable to catch a pass cleanly from his teammate and the ball falls forward. Offsides is another common penalty, taking place when any player ahead of the ball participates when his team has possession, or when a defending player comes from behind the ball to make a play.
Key terms
A “scrum” is a way to restart game play after a team has committed a penalty. Forwards from both teams will form a tight pack and push against each other to gain control of the ball.
After the ball or player goes out of bounds, teams will line up opposite each other for a “lineout.” One player will then throw the ball down the middle of the tunnel for the players try to catch and win possession.
A “ruck” forms when a player is tackled. The ball-carrier must release the ball, and an imaginary horizontal line is formed, with the length of the tackled player becoming a “gate.” Opposing players cannot make an attempt to recover the ball unless going “through the gate” — going around or entering diagonally results in a penalty.
A “maul” occurs when a ball-carrier is held up (but not tackled) and his teammates try to help push him toward the goal line.
So there’s your beginner’s guide to rugby. Enjoy it, study it, learn it and get prepared to watch the Cougars dominate again this season. The first home match was originally scheduled to take place Feb. 21 but has since been cancelled.
