Touch rugby is a non-contact version of rugby in which defenders stop the ball carrier by touching them instead of tackling. After each touch, the attacker restarts play with a roll-ball, placing the ball on the ground and stepping over it, and after six touches possession passes to the other team. Teams usually have six players on the field, passes must go backward or sideways, and a try is scored by placing the ball on or over the try line. Because there is no tackling, scrums or lineouts, touch rugby is fast, inclusive and suitable for mixed teams and a wide range of ages and fitness levels. It is also an excellent way to learn core rugby skills such as passing, running lines and defensive alignment. Formal competitive touch, often called Touch Football, follows the rules of the Federation of International Touch.
Rulebook note: Touch rugby rules vary between casual games, social leagues and formal competition. Competitive Touch Football follows the Federation of International Touch (FIT) playing rules, while many clubs and social leagues use simplified local versions. Check the current rules for your league or event.
Basic rules at a glance
| Rule | Typical version |
|---|---|
| Players | Six per side on the field, with rolling substitutions |
| Touch | Light contact with the ball carrier replaces the tackle |
| Six-touch rule | After six touches, the ball turns over |
| Roll-ball | After a touch, the carrier places the ball down and steps over it to restart |
| Passing | Backward or sideways only |
| Scoring | Place the ball on or over the try line |
| Defense | Must retreat a set distance after each touch |
| Contact | No tackling, pushing or rough play |
How a game works
A game begins with a tap from the center of the field. The attacking team has six touches to move the ball down the field and score. Each time a defender touches the ball carrier, the carrier stops at the mark of the touch, places the ball on the ground and steps over or rolls it back between their feet. A teammate, often called the half or dummy half, then picks the ball up to continue play. The defending team must retreat a set distance, commonly five meters, before moving forward again once the ball is picked up. After the sixth touch, the ball is handed over to the other team. Tries are usually worth one point in formal touch.
The touch
A touch is light contact on any part of the ball carrier’s body, clothing or the ball itself. It should be a gentle touch, not a push, grab or shove. Both attackers and defenders can initiate a touch, and players often call out touch to confirm it. Rough contact is penalized. In many formats, the player who picks up the ball after a roll-ball, the half, may not score directly; if the half is touched while holding the ball, possession often changes, although details vary between rulebooks.
The roll-ball
The roll-ball restarts play after a touch. The touched player goes to the spot where the touch occurred, faces the opponent’s try line, places the ball on the ground and steps over it or rolls it back a short distance between the feet. A teammate then collects the ball. Performing roll-balls quickly and accurately is a key skill, since a fast roll-ball gives defenders less time to reset, while an incorrect roll-ball can result in a penalty or turnover.
Passing and scoring
As in rugby union and league, the ball must be passed backward or sideways, never forward. A forward pass results in a penalty or change of possession. To score a try, a player carries the ball over the opponent’s try line and places it on the ground. Unlike rugby union, there are usually no conversion kicks, and kicking is generally not allowed in formal touch.
Field, equipment and match length
Formal touch is played on a rectangular field smaller than a full rugby pitch, with try lines at each end and marked interchange areas along the side. Players typically wear a team shirt, shorts and soft-studded or molded boots suitable for grass; metal studs are often not allowed. The ball is similar in shape to a rugby ball, though sometimes slightly smaller. Matches in formal competition are commonly played in two halves of around 20 minutes, while social games are often shorter. Substitutions are usually unlimited and made on the run through the interchange area, which keeps the game fast and allows everyone to get plenty of playing time.
Attacking in touch
Attacking touch is about using the full width of the field, supporting the ball carrier and creating overlaps. Because each touch costs one of six attempts, teams try to gain meters with every play while waiting for a defensive gap to open. Common tactics include switching the point of attack, running dummy lines to draw defenders, and using quick roll-balls to catch the defense before it resets. Good communication, calling for the ball and telling teammates where space is, makes a big difference, especially in mixed teams where players have different speeds and experience.
Defending in touch
Good defense in touch rugby relies on communication and shape rather than strength. Defenders move forward together as a line, keep spacing, and aim to force the attacking team to use up their six touches without scoring. Because defenders must retreat after each touch, fitness and quick recovery are essential. Many teams use a sliding or drifting defense, where defenders shift across the field together to cover attackers.
How to play your first game
- Learn the key rules: touch, roll-ball, six touches and backward passes.
- Warm up with light jogging, dynamic stretches and passing drills.
- Practice the roll-ball so you can restart play quickly and legally.
- Stay in your defensive line and communicate with teammates.
- Run support lines behind the ball carrier to receive passes.
- Touch lightly and call touch clearly.
- Enjoy the game and ask experienced players for tips.
Touch rugby versus tag rugby
Touch rugby and tag rugby are both non-contact, but they differ in how the tackle is replaced. In touch rugby, a light touch stops the ball carrier. In tag rugby, players wear a belt with two tags attached by velcro, and defenders stop the carrier by pulling a tag. Tag rugby is common in schools and junior programs, while touch is widely played by adults in social and competitive leagues. Both share the same basic idea of teaching rugby skills without tackling.
Health and safety
Touch rugby is low contact, but it involves sprinting, changing direction and occasional collisions. Warm up before playing, wear appropriate footwear for the surface and stay hydrated. Players with heart, joint or other health conditions should check with a doctor before starting. Referees and players should discourage rough touches and dangerous play.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Passing forward.
- Pushing or grabbing instead of touching lightly.
- Slow or illegal roll-balls.
- Defenders not retreating the required distance.
- Bunching up in attack instead of using width.
- Losing count of touches.
Frequently asked questions
Is touch rugby a contact sport?
No. Only light touches are allowed, and tackling is not part of the game.
How many touches do you get in touch rugby?
Usually six, after which possession changes.
Is touch rugby good for beginners?
Yes. It teaches passing, running and defensive skills without tackling, making it accessible for new players.
