Rugby Union

Rugby union is a full contact, team sport played with an oval-shaped ball. Originating in the early 19th century, it’s played outdoors on a field measuring 100 metres long and 70 metres wide. At each end of the field is a goal area with an "H" shaped goal.

During the game, points can be scored in several ways. A try is scored by grounding the ball in the goal area and is worth 5 points; a subsequent conversion kick scores 2 points. A successful penalty kick or a drop goal each score 3 points. The team scoring the most points wins the game.

A rugby team generally consists of 15 players on the field. Players in a team are split up into forward and backs. Forwards are, generally, physically large and strong and undertake the more physical duties during the game. While backs are generally smaller, faster and more agile and are the main points scorers for the team.

Rugby usually starts at under 7’s (years of age) in most clubs where the teams and pitches are smaller, after which team numbers generally increase each year until the full 15-a-side game starts at under 13’s.

Girls’ play in the same sides as boys until they reach under 12’s after which they form their own sides playing at under 15’s, under 18’s and senior level.

To find your nearest club go to www.rfu.com