How to play rugby
Rugby is a running, passing and tackling game with an oval ball. For casual play, touch rugby removes the tackles and makes the sport open to everyone, mixed and all ages.
The basics
- Score a try (5 points in rugby union) by grounding the ball over the other team's try line.
- You may only pass the ball sideways or backwards; forward passes give the ball away.
- In full rugby the ball carrier can be tackled; in touch rugby a two-handed touch stops the play.
- In touch rugby a team has six touches to score before the ball goes to the other side.
- Kicking the ball forward is allowed in full rugby, not in most touch games.
What you need
- Rugby or soccer boots with studs.
- A rugby ball (size 5 for adults).
- A mouthguard for contact rugby.
How a pickup game works
Pickup rugby is almost always touch or tag: two teams of 5 to 8 line up, the defenders retreat 5 metres after each touch, and the attack restarts with a "roll ball". Many cities run social touch leagues and open sessions where anyone can join a team.
Pickup etiquette
- No tackles in touch: a touch is a touch, called by the defender.
- Retreat the full distance after each touch.
- Call "touch" loudly so both teams hear it.
- Mixed games: pass to everyone.
Your first games
- Run onto the ball rather than standing still to catch it.
- Pass with two hands, spinning the ball across your body.
- Start with touch rugby; it teaches the passing game safely.
Questions
What is touch rugby?
A non-contact version of rugby where a two-handed touch replaces the tackle. It is fast, social and often mixed.
How many players are on a rugby team?
Fifteen in rugby union, thirteen in rugby league, seven in sevens and six on the field in touch rugby.
Is rugby dangerous for beginners?
Contact rugby needs coaching to tackle safely. Touch and tag rugby are safe starting points.
The cities with the most rugby fields on JOGO.