Rugby Basics

The game of rugby defines New Zealand as a nation, and is undeniably attached to the heart strings of most Kiwis. But it's not just for the All Blacks to play - you too can get involved in playing, coaching or supporting rugby in New Zealand.

Basic rules of rugby

Now it may be over-simplifying the game, but the basic objective when playing NZ rugby is to get hold of the ball and score as many points as you can, by getting the ball over the opposing team's try line. Here's a little more on playing rugby, scoring tries and the role of each player on the team:

Playing the game

The game is started when a player kicks the ball from the 50 metre line, the halfway point on the field. The team in possession of the ball advances towards the try line, running and carrying the ball, or passing the ball to other members of their team. The ball can only be passed laterally or to players behind - passing the ball forward is not allowed. As the team progresses down the field, the opposition is allowed to intercept the ball and tackle members of the opposition to the ground, to prevent the team from scoring a try. During play, if the ball is kicked outside of the field, a lineout will restart the game - the ball is thrown along a line-up of players from both teams to determine possession of the ball. If a rule is broken, the referee will stop the game and restart it with a scrum, a free kick or a penalty kick.

Scoring points

To score a goal in rugby, players can score a:

• Try - 5 points, scored by touching the ball down across the try line.
• Conversion - 2 points, a possible bonus two points when a try has been scored and the ball is kicked over the goal posts.
• Field goal - 3 points, when the ball is drop kicked over the goal posts during play.
• Penalty - 3 points, scored when the ball is kicked over the goal posts following a penalty infringement.

The field

In New Zealand rugby, the field measures 100 metres long and 69 metres across, with a goal area at either end of the field. At each end, goal posts are set 5.6 metres apart with a crossbar at a height of 3 metres.

The rugby field has set lines:

• Halfway - the line where  the game begins and is restarted following the scoring of tries or goals.
• 10 metre line - on either side of the halfway line, this is the line that the restart kick must reach.
• 22 metre line - lies 22 metres from the goal line at either end of the field, and is the place from which play is restarted if the ball has been touched down or has touched the dead-ball line.
• Goal line - also known as the try line, this line is located at each end of the field. Players must get the ball across this line to score a try.
• Dead-ball line - at the end of the in-goal area, the ball will be ruled ‘out of play' if it touches this line or goes beyond it.
• Touch line - the line on either side of the field. The ball will be ‘out of play' if the ball touches or goes beyond this line.

The team

A rugby team has 15 players - comprising forwards (with jerseys numbered 1 to 8) and backs (numbered 9 to 15).

Forwards are larger players and have an aggressive role in the team, advancing the team up the field towards the try line and gaining possession of the ball in scrums and lineouts. Backs are generally faster than forwards, using their agility and speed to pass and kick the ball up the field towards the try line

Team positions are:

Front Row

1. Loosehead prop - packs down in scrums and supports the hooker. Also supports the jumpers in a lineout.

2. Hooker - packs down in the middle of the scrum, hooking the ball with their feet. They also throw the ball in when there is a lineout.

3. Tighthead prop - packs down in scrums and supports the hooker. Also supports the jumpers in a lineout.

Middle Row

4. Lock - often the team's tallest players, the two locks jump in a lineout to catch the ball. In a scrum, the locks pack down and provide a powerful support core in the second row.

5. Lock - same as position 4.

Loose Forwards

6. Blindside Flanker - placed at the side of the scrum near the sideline, providing defence for the team and lifting or jumping in a lineout.

7. Openside Flanker - placed at the side of the scrum furthest from the sideline, defending and heading straight for the ball when there is an opportunity.

8. Number 8 - placed at the back of the scrum, responsible for moving the ball to the halfback if the opportunity arises.

Inside Backs

9. Halfback - the connector between the forwards and the backs, placed behind the scrum to gain possession of the ball and keep it moving. In a lineout, they will catch the ball knocked down by the jumpers.

10. First 5/8 - the decision-maker and goal kicker, who makes the call to kick the ball, pass the ball to the outside backs, or run with the ball.

Midfield Backs

12. Second 5/8 - part of the backline formation, along with the first 5/8, often responsible for setting up an attack. Must be a good tackler.

13. Centre - placed outside the second 5/8, providing time and room for the winger on their outside.

Outside Backs

11. Wing - a fast runner who often scores tries and runs with the ball in the space created by the forwards and other backs.

14. Wing - same as 11.

15. Fullback - a crucial defence and attack player, positioned at the back of the team.

Seven reserves can be placed on the bench and replace team players during the game.

Looking for more information? Find information on Rugby basics in the NZS.com directory.

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