Rugby football

:This article discusses rugby football generally, for specific varieties see Rugby union, Rugby sevens or Rugby league.

Rules

Distinctive features common to both rugby games include the ovoid ball and the ban on passing the ball forwards, so that players can gain ground only by running with the ball or by kicking it.

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Set-pieces of the union code include the scrum, where packs of opposing players push against each other for possession, and the lineout, where lines of players attempt to catch the ball thrown from touch the area behind the touch-line (the sidelines).

Related Topics:
Scrum - Lineout - Touch - Touch-line

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In the league code, the scrum still exists, but with greatly reduced importance, and line-outs do not occur. By reducing the importance of these set pieces, Rugby League has evolved into a simpler, faster and more attacking game with a greater emphasis on running with the ball in hand and passing.

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The main difference between the two games, besides league having teams of thirteen players and union of fifteen, comes after tackles. Union players contest possession following the tackle: depending on the situation either a ruck or a maul occurs. League players do not contest possession: play continues after a tackle with a play-the-ball.

Related Topics:
Tackle - Ruck - Maul - Play-the-ball

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Scoring in both games occurs by achieving either a try or a goal. A try (at goal) involves grounding the ball over the goal line at the opponents' end of the field. A goal results from kicking the ball over the crossbar between the upright goalposts. Three different types of kick at goal can score points: the goal kick after a "try" has been awarded (which if successful becomes a conversion (of a try into a goal)); the drop kick; and the penalty kick.

Related Topics:
Try - Goal - Drop kick - Penalty

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