The Basics of Touch Rugby

Touch rugby is a non-contact version of rugby where defenders stop attackers by touching them instead of tackling. After six touches, possession changes. It’s fast, inclusive and a great way to learn rugby skills.

Basic rules

RuleTypical version
PlayersSix per side on the field
TouchLight contact with the ball carrier replaces the tackle
Six-touch ruleAfter six touches, the ball turns over
Roll-ballAfter a touch, the carrier places the ball down and steps over it to restart
PassingBackward or sideways only
ScoringGround the ball over the try line

Rules vary by organization; formal Touch Football follows the Federation of International Touch rules.

Frequently asked questions

Is touch rugby contact?

No, only light touches are allowed.

How many touches do you get?

Usually six.

Is touch rugby good for beginners?

Yes, it teaches passing and running without tackling.

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Sam Ayed
Sam Ayed

Sam Ayed is a soccer player, coach and lifelong sports enthusiast. As the editor of Sportmentary, he writes and reviews the site's guides, checks rules content against the official rulebooks of each sport's governing body, and keeps pages updated when those rules change.

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