Rugby union is played by two teams of 15 players over two 40-minute halves. Teams score by grounding the ball over the opponent’s try line for a try, worth five points, or by kicking goals: a conversion after a try is worth two points, and a penalty goal or drop goal is worth three. The ball may only be passed backward or sideways, so teams advance by running and kicking. When a player is tackled, they must release the ball, and play continues through rucks and mauls rather than stopping. Scrums restart play after minor infringements such as knock-ons and forward passes, and lineouts restart play when the ball goes into touch. Offside lines keep the teams apart at each phase, and referees can award penalties and show yellow or red cards for serious offenses.
Rulebook note: This guide summarizes World Rugby’s Laws of the Game for rugby union. Rugby league, sevens, age-grade and domestic competitions can differ, for example in team sizes, match length and card sanctions, and laws are updated regularly. Always check the current laws for your competition.
Scoring at a glance
| Score | Points | How |
|---|---|---|
| Try | 5 | Grounding the ball in the opponent’s in-goal |
| Conversion | 2 | Kick over the crossbar after a try |
| Penalty goal | 3 | Kick at goal after a penalty |
| Drop goal | 3 | Drop kick over the crossbar in open play |
| Penalty try | 7 | Awarded when foul play prevents a probable try; no conversion needed |
Teams and match length
Each team has 15 players on the field: eight forwards, who contest scrums, lineouts and breakdowns, and seven backs, who generally handle, run and kick in open play. Teams have replacements on the bench, with the number allowed depending on the competition. A standard match lasts 80 minutes, split into two halves of 40 minutes, with a halftime interval. Time is kept by the referee or an official timekeeper, and the half ends when the ball next becomes dead after time is up.
Passing and knock-ons
The ball must not be passed forward. A forward pass, or a knock-on, where a player loses the ball forward and it touches the ground or another player, results in a scrum to the opposing team, unless advantage is played. Players can kick the ball forward at any time, which makes kicking an important tactic for gaining territory. Because passes must go backward or sideways, support play and running lines are central to attacking rugby.
Tackles, rucks and mauls
Only the ball carrier can be tackled. A tackle occurs when the ball carrier is held by one or more opponents and brought to ground. The tackler must release the tackled player, and the tackled player must release or place the ball immediately so play can continue. Tackles must be below the shoulders, and high or dangerous tackles are penalized, with many competitions setting stricter tackle height guidance for community and junior rugby. After a tackle, a ruck forms when players from both teams contest the ball on the ground while on their feet. A maul forms when the ball carrier is held by opponents while still standing and teammates bind on.
Scrums and lineouts
Scrums: Eight forwards from each team bind together and push against each other, while the scrum half feeds the ball into the tunnel between them. Scrums restart play after minor infringements. Strict engagement procedures exist for safety.
Lineouts: When the ball goes into touch, the team that did not put it out usually throws it back in between two lines of forwards, who may lift jumpers to contest the ball. Lineouts are a key source of attacking possession.
Kicking in open play
Kicking is a legal and important way to move the ball forward. Players can kick for territory, chase their own kicks to regain possession, or kick to space behind the defense. When a team kicks the ball directly into touch from outside its own 22-metre area, the lineout is usually taken level with where the ball was kicked rather than where it crossed the touchline, which discourages aimless kicking out. Kicks from inside a team’s own 22 that go directly into touch gain the ground to where the ball went out. The 50:22 law rewards a team that kicks from its own half and bounces the ball into touch inside the opponent’s 22 by giving it the throw-in at the resulting lineout. Players in front of the kicker must respect the ten-metre law until they are put onside.
Safety rules
Many rugby laws exist to protect players. Tackles above the line of the shoulders, dangerous clean-outs at the breakdown, tipping a player in the air and collapsing scrums or mauls are all penalized. Head contact is treated seriously, and referees use a structured framework to decide sanctions. Players showing signs of concussion must be removed from play and follow return-to-play protocols set by their union. Community and junior rugby often apply additional rules, such as lower tackle heights or modified scrums, to reduce injury risk.
Offside
A player is offside in open play if they are in front of a teammate who has the ball or who last played it, and may not take part in play until put onside. At rucks, mauls, scrums and lineouts, specific offside lines apply, and players must stay behind them until the phase ends. Offside offenses usually result in a penalty.
Penalties, free kicks and restarts
For more serious infringements, such as offside, high tackles, not releasing the ball or illegal play at the breakdown, the referee awards a penalty. The non-offending team can kick at goal, kick for touch and take the lineout throw, tap and run, or choose a scrum. Less serious technical offenses may result in a free kick, which cannot be kicked directly at goal. Play restarts with a kick-off from the halfway line at the start of each half and after points are scored.
Cards and discipline
Referees can show a yellow card, sending a player to the sin bin for ten minutes, for repeated or serious infringements and some foul play. A red card sends a player off for the rest of the match for the most serious offenses. Some competitions use variations, such as a red card after which the player can be replaced after a set time. Players sent off may also face further disciplinary action after the match.
Match officials
A match is controlled by a referee, supported by two assistant referees who judge touch and help with foul play. At higher levels, a television match official can review tries and foul play using video replays. The referee’s decision on the field is final, and only the captain should discuss decisions with the referee.
How to learn the rules
- Start with scoring and passing, the basics that shape every game.
- Learn the tackle and breakdown laws, which cause the most penalties.
- Understand offside lines at each phase.
- Watch matches with commentary that explains referee decisions.
- Read World Rugby’s Laws of the Game or your union’s simplified guides.
- Consider a refereeing course, which is one of the best ways to learn the laws.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Passing forward under pressure.
- Holding on to the ball after being tackled.
- Tackling high or without using the arms.
- Entering rucks from the side.
- Being offside at rucks and kicks.
- Arguing with the referee instead of letting the captain speak.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a rugby union match?
Eighty minutes, split into two 40-minute halves.
How many players are on a rugby union team?
Fifteen players on the field per side, plus replacements.
Can you pass forward in rugby?
No. Passes must go backward or sideways, though the ball can be kicked forward.
