Rugby Union is very similar to football games and the objective is quite simple - You need to score more points than the opponent team by hitting the goal post or goal area in certain ways with the ball more than the other team.
There are three options for players to make it as close to the opponent's game post as possible.
The player can run with the ball or kick it and the last step is to pass the ball. However, passing the ball forward is not allowed.
Since the game allows contact, you can tackle the opponent with the tricks that are allowed in the game's rules and regulations.
The game has good control and even though the game looks very wild, issues during game play is very rare as there are two judges to control the game. The judges will be standing on each side of the pitch.
The scoring system in Rugby Union can be classified into three different methods:
- 1.Try - This is the scoring method by hitting the goal area (there is a goal area near by the goal post which is usually 22 meters in length). The player must be carrying the ball and touch the ground with the ball. This will award five points to the player's team.
- 2.Conversion - If a player manages to kick the ball successfully through goal post, he can gain two points. Conversion is usually initiated when a player feels that he can't get more points with a "try".
- 3.Goal Kick - This is similar to conversion except that the kick is a penalty kick. This will attract three points to the player's team.
The game is divided into two periods, each consists of 40 minutes.
The interval time is maximum ten minutes. Extra time is not common in Rugby Union but in case of knock-out extra time is allowed. The start and finish of the game is conveyed by the whistling of referee.
Similar to many traditional games like cricket, the game's start is decided by tossing the coin into air. The team which wins the toss is given the first chance for kick but this is decided by the captain of winning team.
If he wants the other team to start off, he can decide the first one to start with kick off. The rule in kick off is that the ball should travel at least 10 meters.
If the player fails to do so, the opposition team gets an advantage of throw off thus getting an advancement in the game.
Even though the ball in Rugby Union looks similar to that of American football, they are different, especially in terms of dimension, weight and aerodynamics.
Rugby Union ball is made to move well with kicks as well. The weight can be around 340-380 grams and the length is 22 cm. Traditionally, the ball was made using leather and the practice was followed for a very long time.
It was only in 1990's the game started using balls that are made up of weatherproof synthetic materials. Even today, artificial leather stays as one of the most favorite materials to make rugby balls.
Rugby Union is traditionally played on grass pitch but this is not a must. Muddy and Sandy fields are also permitted and this is why Rugby Union has two different types of boots to play the game.
The dimension of pitch is 100 x 70 meters which is again divided into various areas of importance. The playing area is defined by flags that are placed at various parts of the pitch and the height of these flag posts must be at least 1.2 meter.
The goal area is usually 10-22 meters in length and 7 meters in height. This is the most crucial area in the game play as scoring can be done only here. The game gets heated up when the opponent gets in this area with the ball because the players will try to block him from hitting the ground with the ball.
22 meter line is another important part of Rugby Union as goal kickers try to divert the game's direction at this point. If the ball crosses the goal post, there will be a line after which the ball is out of play. This is divided by a line called dead ball line.
There is a misconception that Rugby Union can be played only by well built people but the truth is that people with any size and shape can play the game and enjoy this as the game has something to offer for people with various skills such as speed, strength and mobility.
Even kicks are very important so that you can always make a good position in teams if you can direct the balls with the command of your toes.
The three players who stand right in front of the scrum is called loose head prop. Since these players have to take a lot of impact the players should have a very strong upper body. The player who got the most responsibility is called a hooker.
Second Rowers are tall and powerful players as they are supposed to grab the ball from opponents and pass it to the team members. The important thing is that all players are not allowed to join the scrum except eight players. Even for binding, there are certain rules to follow and referees on both sides of the pitch are always on constant watch to make sure that the rules are followed.
One rule is that the players should use their whole arm to grab another one or they will be disqualified. Players are allowed to move their arm in such a manner that it can alter the opponent player's gaming position.
Twisting and collapsing is not allowed and if a player does any of these on scrums, he will invite penalty for his team. One of the most important strategies in the game is limit the movements of the hooker. Once the scrum half is fed with the ball, it is hooker's duty to send it back to the player eight - This is why it is said that the hooker is the player with most responsibilities.
Throwing the ball from line out can be a tough task as the ball can be thrown only in straight line. The players who are not in the line out must be at least 10 meters back from the player who is in the line. In line out players are not allowed to push or charge the opposite player and no player can't be lifted before the ball is thrown.
Using the external part of the arm to catch the ball is not allowed and this is a serious offence. If the referee feels that the offense is serious, they usually show red cards and the player wll stay out of the game.
