In rugby union, a try is worth five points, a conversion two, a penalty goal three, a drop goal three and a penalty try seven. A try is scored by grounding the ball in the opponent’s in-goal area, and the scoring team then attempts a conversion kick, taken in line with where the try was scored. Penalty goals are kicked after the opposition commits a penalty offense, and drop goals are scored by drop kicking the ball over the crossbar in open play. A penalty try is awarded when foul play prevents a probable try and needs no conversion. Rugby league scores differently, with four-point tries, two-point penalty goals and one-point field goals. Many union competitions also award bonus points in league tables for scoring four or more tries or losing narrowly.
Rulebook note: Laws referenced here follow World Rugby’s Laws of the Game for rugby union, which sets scoring values. Rugby league, sevens and domestic competitions can differ, especially in bonus point systems and league scoring, and some competitions trial variations, so check the current rules for your competition.
Rugby union scoring
| Score | Points | How |
|---|---|---|
| Try | 5 | Ground the ball in the opponent’s in-goal area |
| Conversion | 2 | Kick after a try, in line with where it was scored |
| 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 |
Scoring a try
A try is the most valuable score in rugby. To score, an attacking player must ground the ball in the opponent’s in-goal area, which includes the try line itself. Grounding means pressing the ball down with the hand, hands or arms, or with the front of the body from the waist to the neck, while holding it or while the ball is on the ground. The ball must be under control, and the player must not be in touch or touch-in-goal. Referees, and at higher levels the television match official, decide whether a try has been scored, often checking for knock-ons, forward passes or obstruction in the build-up.
Conversions
After a try, the scoring team attempts a conversion. The kick is taken from any point on a line through where the try was scored, parallel to the touchlines, which is why attackers try to ground the ball as close to the posts as possible. A successful conversion, kicked over the crossbar and between the posts, adds two points. Kickers usually use a tee for a place kick, although in sevens conversions are taken as drop kicks. There is a time limit for taking the conversion.
Penalty goals and drop goals
Penalty goals: When the opposition commits a penalty offense, the non-offending team may kick at goal from the mark. A successful kick earns three points. Teams often take these points in close matches or when they are within comfortable range.
Drop goals: A player may drop kick the ball over the crossbar during open play for three points. Drop goals are less common today but remain valuable in tight matches, especially late in games.
Penalty tries
If the defending team commits foul play that prevents a probable try, the referee can award a penalty try. It is worth seven points, and no conversion is attempted. The offending player is typically shown a yellow card. Penalty tries are awarded in situations such as a deliberate knock-on to stop a scoring pass or a collapsed maul near the try line, depending on the referee’s judgment.
Rugby league scoring
| Score | Points |
|---|---|
| Try | 4 |
| Conversion | 2 |
| Penalty goal | 2 |
| Field goal (drop goal) | 1 |
Rugby league values tries relatively higher compared with goals than union does, encouraging attacking play. Some league competitions award extra points for long-range field goals, so check the specific competition rules.
Bonus points
Many rugby union competitions use bonus points in their league tables to reward attacking play and close results. A common system awards four points for a win, two for a draw and none for a loss, with an extra bonus point for scoring four or more tries in a match and a losing bonus point for finishing within seven points of the winner. Variations exist, such as awarding the try bonus for scoring three more tries than the opponent. These bonus points can decide which teams qualify for playoffs or knockout stages.
Scoring strategy
Knowing the scoring values shapes how teams play. Because a converted try is worth seven points and a penalty goal only three, teams often kick penalties toward the corner when they are confident in their lineout and maul, hoping for a try instead of three points. In close matches or poor weather, taking the points with a penalty goal can be the smarter option. Late in a game, teams trailing by more than seven points need at least two scores, which changes their risk-taking. Teams leading narrowly may kick for territory and try to force penalties they can convert. Coaches and captains constantly weigh these choices, considering the score, the time left, the conditions and the strengths of their kicker and pack.
Scoring in sevens
Rugby sevens uses the same point values as fifteens: five for a try, two for a conversion, three for a penalty goal or drop goal, and seven for a penalty try. The main difference is that conversions are taken as drop kicks and must be taken quickly, which saves time in the short matches. Because sevens is played on a full-size pitch with only seven players per side, tries are far more frequent, and conversion success can often decide close matches.
How scoring values have changed
Rugby’s scoring values have evolved over time. In early rugby, a try itself did not score points but gave the team a chance to try a kick at goal, which is where the name try comes from. Over the years, the value of a try increased, reaching four points in the 1970s and five points in 1992. Drop goals were once worth more than they are today. The introduction of the seven-point penalty try is a more recent change. These adjustments reflect a long-term desire to reward tries and attacking rugby.
How to follow the score
- Learn the basic values: try 5, conversion 2, penalty goal 3, drop goal 3, penalty try 7.
- Remember that a converted try equals seven points.
- Watch how teams choose between kicking for goal and kicking for the corner.
- Track bonus points in league competitions.
- Understand the differences if you watch rugby league.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming a try is worth four points in union.
- Forgetting that penalty tries need no conversion.
- Confusing union and league scoring.
- Overlooking bonus points in league tables.
Frequently asked questions
How many points is a try in rugby union?
Five points, with a two-point conversion attempt afterward.
Why is it called a try?
In early rugby, grounding the ball earned a chance to try a kick at goal rather than points.
How many points is a penalty try?
Seven points, with no conversion required.
