A rugby union pitch has a field of play up to 100 meters long between the try lines and up to 70 meters wide, plus an in-goal area at each end that is between 6 and 22 meters deep, and where possible at least 10 meters. H-shaped goalposts stand on the middle of each try line, with the uprights 5.6 meters apart and the crossbar 3 meters above the ground. The pitch is marked with a halfway line, 10-metre lines, 22-metre lines, 5-metre and 15-metre lines, try lines and dead ball lines, each of which plays a role in restarts, set pieces and kicking laws. Many pitches are smaller than the maximum, especially at community and junior level. Rugby league and sevens use similar layouts with some differences, so always check the rules for your competition.
Rulebook note: Dimensions here follow World Rugby’s Laws of the Game for rugby union, which set maximum sizes and allow smaller pitches. Rugby league, sevens, age-grade and domestic competitions may use different dimensions or markings, and laws are updated periodically. Check the current laws for your competition.
Rugby union pitch dimensions
| Feature | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Field of play length | Up to 100 m between try lines |
| Width | Up to 70 m |
| In-goal depth | 6 to 22 m (where possible, at least 10 m) |
| Goalpost spacing | 5.6 m between uprights |
| Crossbar height | 3 m above the ground |
| Goalpost height | Uprights extend above the crossbar, usually well over 3.4 m |
Key areas of the pitch
Field of play: The main playing area between the try lines and touchlines. The touchlines and try lines are not part of the field of play.
In-goal: The area between the try line and the dead ball line at each end, bounded by the touch-in-goal lines. Tries are scored by grounding the ball in the opponent’s in-goal, including on the try line itself.
Playing area: The field of play plus both in-goal areas.
Playing enclosure: The playing area plus a surrounding space, where possible at least five meters, for safety.
Pitch markings and their uses
| Marking | Use |
|---|---|
| Halfway line | Kick-offs and restarts are taken from its center |
| 10-metre lines | Kick-offs must travel past the opponent’s 10-metre line |
| 22-metre lines | Drop-outs and kicking laws, such as the 50:22 |
| 5-metre lines | Lineout and scrum positioning near the touchlines and try lines |
| 15-metre lines | Mark the end of the lineout area |
| Try lines | Where tries are scored and where the goalposts stand |
| Dead ball lines | The back boundary of the in-goal areas |
| Touchlines and touch-in-goal lines | The side boundaries; the ball is out when it touches them |
The goalposts
Each set of goalposts stands on the middle of the try line. The uprights are 5.6 meters apart, and the crossbar is 3 meters above the ground. For a conversion, penalty goal or drop goal to count, the ball must pass over the crossbar and between the uprights, or between the imaginary extensions of the uprights above them. The base of each post is covered with protective padding to reduce the risk of injury, and the padding is considered part of the goalpost.
How markings affect play
The markings do more than define boundaries; they shape tactics. Kick-offs must travel at least ten meters, so teams practice kicking just past the 10-metre line to contest possession. The 22-metre line determines where drop-outs are taken and affects kicking laws, including the 50:22 law, which rewards a team that kicks from its own half and bounces the ball into touch inside the opponent’s 22 with the throw-in at the resulting lineout. The 5-metre and 15-metre lines define the lineout area, while scrums cannot be set closer than five meters to the touchline or try line.
When the ball is in touch or dead
Understanding the boundaries helps players know when the ball is out of play. The ball is in touch when it, or the player carrying it, touches the touchline or anything beyond it. Play then restarts with a lineout, or in some situations another restart, depending on how the ball went out. In the in-goal area, the ball is dead when it touches or crosses the dead ball line or the touch-in-goal lines. The corner posts are not part of the lines for this purpose in modern laws, so touching a corner flag does not by itself make the ball dead. Grounding the ball on the try line counts as grounding it in-goal, which is why tries are awarded when the ball is placed on the line.
Playing surfaces
Rugby is traditionally played on natural grass, but artificial and hybrid surfaces are increasingly common, particularly for community clubs and stadiums that host many events. World Rugby publishes performance standards for artificial rugby turf, covering factors such as shock absorption and stud grip, to help keep players safe. Some competitions also allow sand, clay or snow surfaces in specific circumstances. Whatever the surface, it should be safe, even and free of hazards, and players should wear appropriate footwear for it.
Technical areas and surrounds
At organized matches, the area around the pitch includes team technical areas or benches, a space for replacement players to warm up, and zones for officials and medical staff. Advertising boards, fences and spectators should be kept a safe distance from the touchlines and dead ball lines. Many venues also mark positions for ball boys, water carriers and match officials, and professional stadiums add camera positions and television match official facilities. Keeping these areas organized helps matches run smoothly and safely.
Rugby union vs rugby league vs sevens
| Format | Pitch | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rugby union | Up to 100 m by 70 m, plus in-goals | Marked with 22-metre lines |
| Rugby sevens | Same pitch as union | Fewer players make the field feel much larger |
| Rugby league | Similar size, with slightly different width and markings | Uses 10-metre interval lines and a 20-metre area in some rulebooks |
Junior and community pitches
Many community and junior pitches are smaller than the maximum. Age-grade rugby often uses reduced pitch sizes and modified rules to suit younger players, fewer players per side and developing skills. Clubs should follow their national union’s guidance on pitch sizes for each age group. Temporary markings, cones and flags are often used for training and small-sided games.
Setting up a rugby pitch
- Check the governing body’s requirements for your level.
- Measure and mark the rectangle for the field of play, ensuring square corners.
- Mark the in-goal areas and dead ball lines.
- Add the halfway, 10-metre and 22-metre lines.
- Mark the 5-metre and 15-metre dashed lines.
- Install goalposts in the center of each try line with protective padding.
- Place corner and line flags where required.
- Inspect the surface for holes, debris and hazards before play.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming all pitches are full size.
- Forgetting post padding.
- Marking lines incorrectly, especially the 5 and 15-metre dashes.
- Ignoring safety space around the playing area.
- Confusing union and league markings.
Frequently asked questions
How big is a rugby pitch?
A rugby union field of play is up to 100 meters by 70 meters, plus in-goal areas at each end.
How high is the rugby crossbar?
The crossbar is 3 meters above the ground.
Is a rugby pitch bigger than a soccer field?
They are broadly similar in size, but rugby adds in-goal areas at each end, making the total playing area longer.
