СИНГИДУНУМ

Basic rules

Rugby pitch has 100 meters in length and 70 meters in width. The goal posts in rugby are in the shape of letter “H”. There are two main versions of rugby: Rugby XIII and Rugby XV (Rugby League and Rugby Union). Aside for the number of players they also have different rules. Two divisions are considered as two different sports, with different associations. There are versions of rugby with fewer players such as Rugby VII which is played under the rules of Rugby XV and Rugby IX which is played under the rules of Rugby XIII. These versions of rugby are played with less contact; the game is faster and lasts shorter period of time. Beach Rugby is becoming more popular in recent years.

The basic rule of all rugby variations is that the ball mustn’t be thrown to a player in front, except when it is kicked. The main point of the game is to bring the ball into the opposing goal area – essay. And that brings certain amount of points, depending on the type of rugby, after that the ball is kicked which is called conversion for additional points.

Points are made by placing the ball over the opposing scoring line; 5 points, and if the conversion is made (kicking the ball through the goal), which is awarded after the successful try, 2 additional points are won. Penalty as well as dropped goal (kicking the ball that is dropping) from the game are worth 3 points.

For harder fouls the referee awards red cards after which the player must leave the game.
Yellow cards are awarded for milder fouls and the player leaves the game for 10 minutes.

Rugby game is played for 80 minutes and has one main and two line referees.

Rugby ball is egg-shaped, different from balls used in other sports. This is because the rugby ball is carried and passed with arms, and therefore the shape is adapted for the game.

Players are divided into forward players and backs. There are 8 forward players and 7 backs.

Forwards

Forward players are divided into three lines placed one after another:
• First line: 1. Loosehead Prop 2. Hooker 3. Tighthead Prop
• Second line: 4. Lock 5. Lock
• Third line: 6. Blindside Flanker 7. Openside Flanker 8. Number 8

Loosehead Prop and Tighthead Prop: numbers 1 and 3

They are the strongest and the heaviest players whose role is to stabilize the scrum and prevent the opponents to “wheel”.

Hooker: number 2

These players throw the ball in at line-outs and gather the ball (hook) when scrum is called.

Left and Right Lock: numbers 4 and 5

Second line Locks are the tallest players and are the primary targets at line-outs. Their role is to jump and catch the ball at line-outs and support the Props in the scrum.

Blindside Flanker and Openside Flanker: numbers 6 and 7

Flankers are players of the third line. They are usually the combination of strength and agility and they always follow the ball.

Number 8

Player on this position has to be powerful and a good runner and tackler. He is the leader of the scrum and organizer of the third line.

Backs

Back players are sprinters who attack when forwards pass them the ball.

Scrum-half, number 9

This player should be well adept and agile (often very short) and is the link between forwards and backs and has to have quick pass and a good vision.

Fly-half, number 10

Fly-half is the leader of the game and he decides whether to shoot, pass or run with the ball. He’s the playmaker of the entire team, especially the back line. He has to have good shooting and passing skills and agility.

Outside and Inside Centre, numbers 12 and 13

These are the most explosive players, very strong with a lot of pace, capable to defend and tackle. When the game changes direction they push the line forward.

Left and Right Wing, numbers 11 and 14

These players are involved in finishing the play and posses pace, agility and strength. They should be able to catch the ball, shoot good and score.

Fullback, number 15

Fullback is the last player of the back line; he organizes and controls attacks and play of backs and wingers. The player in this position must be a good tackler, and be able to catch and run with the ball from the back.

DETAILED RULES (pdf, 3MB)