The Rugby union is a game played oudoor between two teams, each comprising of 15 players. The game is played with a ball oval in shape. Rugby union is one of the two main codes of rugby football, the other being rugby league. The same can be played between teams comprising of seven players which is callled rugby sevens. It is played under modified laws. Rugby union is popularly known as simply rugby. In America, it is more popular as football. The same is also known known union in the regions where rugby league is played.

Generally a rugby match is played for a time period of 80 minutes, including the stoppage time and the short interval (10 minutes). The shhort interval of 10 minutes comes afetr the first half of 40 minutes. If the game is played at under-19 level and below, the time period is limited to a maximum of 70 minutes, of which an interval comes after 35 minutes. The match is controlled a refree. There will also be two touch judge or assistant referees to assist the referee. If it is a professional match, a video referee will be there, who will be a television match official (TMO). His main job is to advise the referee on matters of tries and dropped goals.

The game of rugby is about scoring goals. The team that scores the greater number of points will be victorious. If the ball is kicked over over the crossbar of the opponent’s goal by remaining between the posts, it become the goal.There three types of a goals are dropped goal, penalty goal and conversion. A rugby pitch will never be more than 100 metres in length and the width also vary but must be no more than 70 meters wide.

The history of rugby union dates back to pre-nineteenth century. The first set of laws for the game were as written in 1845. The game of rugby is also has a governing body that looks after the sports alll around the world. It is the International Rugby Board (IRB) headquarteredin Dublin, Ireland.

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Rugby football (usually just “rugby”), may refer to a number of sports through history descended from a common form of football developed at Rugby School in Rugby, Warwickshire, England. Rugby league and rugby union are the only two sports referred to as “rugby” today.
Rugby union is an outdoor contact sport, played with an oval ball, by two teams of 15 players. Rugby union is often referred to as simply rugby, or as football, and in regions where rugby league is played, as union.

The sport of Rugby is often referred to as the “father” of American football. Rugby started at least 70 years before American football and football evolved with many of the same principles, strategies and tactics.

The Object of the Game is that two teams of fifteen players each, observing fair play according to the Laws and a sporting spirit, should by carrying, passing, kicking and grounding the ball score as many points as possible, the team scoring the greater number of points to be the winner of the match.

How is rugby played?
Rugby is played at a fast pace, with few stoppages and continuous possession changes. All players on the field, regardless of position, must be able to run, pass, kick and catch the ball. Likewise, All players must also be able to tackle and defend, making each position both offensive and defensive in nature. There is no blocking of the opponents like in football, and there are only five substitutions per game allowed for each team. A rugby match consists of two 40-minute halves.

The rugby ball is made of leather or other similar synthetic material that is easy to grip and does not have laces. Rugby balls are made in varying sizes (3, 4 or 5) for both youth and adult players. Like footballs, rugby balls are oval in shape, however are rounder and less pointed than footballs to minimize the erratic bounces we see in football.

The field is 100 meters long and up to 70 meters wide.

When does the play stop?
• One fundamental rule of rugby is that the ball can never be passed forward. Anytime a pass goes forward play is stopped. To restart play the teams gather into two groups to form a scrum. The ball is rolled between the two sides and the hookers try to kick the ball back to their side.

• Play also stops whenever the ball is put out of bounds (in touch). To restart play the teams form a lineout. Again the ball is tossed between the two teams, this time in the air. The two sides jump and try to gain possession of the ball.

If you are new to this sport the above information can help you deal with the game effectively.

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