Rugby. If you don’t know what you’re seeing, it can seem a bit like total chaos. Fifteen guys smashing into one another, a funny-shaped ball, whistles blowing non-stop. But in fact it has quite specific rules that make sense once you know what they are. 

Whether you’re new to it, are looking to keep up with your kids’ games or just want to be able to join in pub chat without fear of sounding like you haven’t got a clue, this guide of rules of rugby is for you.

What’s Rugby All About?

Two teams. One ball. The aim? Get it over the other team’s try line and touch it down, or kick it through their posts.

You can run with the ball, kick it, or pass it—but only backwards or sideways. No forward passes allowed. That rule alone changes everything.

The defending side tries to stop the other lot by tackling them. Hard but fair.

How Long is a Match?

A standard game runs 80 minutes, split into two halves of 40 minutes.

There’s a break in the middle for half-time. The ref can add time on for stoppages—injuries, scrums taking ages, or players arguing (not that they’re supposed to).

Scoring Made Easy

This is what everyone really wants to know. How do you get points?

• Try: 5 points. That’s grounding the ball over the opponent’s line.
• Conversion: 2 points. After scoring a try, you get to kick the ball between the posts.
• Penalty: 3 points. Awarded after certain fouls—you can choose to kick at goal.
• Drop Goal: 3 points. Dropping the ball on the ground and kicking it on the half-volley through the posts.

Try is the big one—most celebrated, most satisfying.

Passing Rules

Probably the most important rule for new fans to grasp: you can’t pass forwards.

It’s what gives rugby its shape. Players have to run forward with the ball while passing it backwards. Creates space, angles, and proper teamwork.

Tackling Basics

You can’t just hit people however you want.

• Tackles must be below the shoulders.
• No high tackles or swinging arms.
• No tackling someone in the air.
• After a tackle, the ball carrier has to release it.

It’s tough but controlled. Safety matters.

What’s a Ruck?

After a tackle, the ball’s on the floor. Players from both teams pile in over it.

They try to push each other off the ball while it’s on the ground. No grabbing it with your hands once the ruck’s formed. You have to use your feet to move it back.

Sounds messy? It is. But it keeps the game flowing.

What’s a Maul?

A maul happens when the ball carrier is held up but not tackled to the floor.

Everyone binds around them and tries to shove them forwards or backwards. The ball has to stay off the ground.

It’s a big pushing contest, like a moving scrum.

Scrum – the Famous Pile of Bodies

Scrums restart play after small infringements like knock-ons (when someone drops the ball forward).

Eight players from each team bind together and push against each other. The ball gets fed in the middle and both sides try to hook it back with their feet.

Done right, it’s a thing of beauty. Done wrong? Collapses, resets, penalties.

Line-Out – Throwing It In

When the ball goes out over the sideline, there’s a line-out.

Players from both teams line up. The team with the throw tries to hit their jumper, who’s usually lifted by teammates.

It can look very choreographed, and it is. Teams practice line-out moves like dance routines.

Offside Rules in Plain English

This one confuses people.

You can’t just stand wherever you like. Players need to stay behind the offside line—usually behind the ball or the last foot in a ruck or maul.

At set pieces (scrums, line-outs), offside lines are even clearer. Being offside is cheating, basically.

Penalties and Free Kicks

When someone breaks the rules (like being offside, high tackle, collapsing a scrum), the ref can give a penalty.

The team awarded it has choices:

• Kick for goal (3 points if it goes over).
• Kick to touch and take a line-out closer to the try line.
• Tap and run quickly.
• Choose a scrum instead.

Free kicks are for minor stuff and can’t be kicked for goal.

Also Read: Dortmund vs Monterrey: A Proper Look at the Club World Cup Showdown

Kicking Tactics

Kicking’s not just booting it away.

• Kick to gain ground.
• High bombs (known as Garryowens or up-and-unders) to pressure defenders.
• Little grubber kicks along the ground to get behind defences.

Good kickers can turn a match.

Yellow and Red Cards

Discipline matters.

• Yellow Card: 10 minutes off the pitch (sin-bin). Team plays a man down.
• Red Card: Sent off for good. No replacement.

High tackles, dangerous play, repeated fouls can all lead to cards.

Respect for the Ref

One thing rugby prides itself on is respecting the referee.

Players call them “Sir” or “Ma’am.” There’s no shouting or swarming like in football. Back-chat gets punished.

Positions for All Shapes and Sizes

Rugby really does have a spot for everyone.

• Big, strong props for the scrum.
  
• Tall line-out jumpers.
  
• Quick wingers.
  
• Smart scrum-halves bossing everyone about.
  

No matter your build, there’s a role.

Spirit of the Game

Rugby’s more than just the rules – it’s about respect, teamwork and sportsmanship. Teams usually have a drink after a match. Opponents shake hands. Coaches instruct kids on how to not only win but also play fair. It’s hard; it’s physical, but it’s all based on mutual respect.

Final Thoughts

Rugby may seem a bit of a mystery to start. But once you have the basics down (no forward passes, tackle rules, scrums, rucks, scoring), it makes sense. It’s about progressing as a group, making space and helping your teammates, and respecting your opponents. If you haven’t ever really sat down and watched it properly, maybe now is the time. Get a pint, take a seat and enjoy. You might begin to understand why so many people adore this muddy, passionate, excellent game.