Never played rugby? Never watched a match? Never even heard of it? Don’t worry, RedEye has you covered on the basics.
>> A rugby match lasts 80 minutes, split into two 40-minute halves. Fifteen players are on the field for each team, so it can get a bit busy. Each team is allowed eight substitutes per game, but once a player comes out they cannot re-enter.
>> There are 15 players on the field for each team—eight forwards and seven backs.
>> The rugby field is similar to a football field in that there are two H-shaped posts on each end. The ball used in rugby is not a traditional sphere; it’s shaped more like a football.
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>> There are three ways to score:
A try (five points), which is always followed by a conversion attempt (two points)
A penalty goal (three points)
A drop goal (three points)
>> Players are not allowed to pass the ball forward; they must pass it behind them. It can be kicked forward, but the kicker’s teammates have to be behind the ball when it is kicked. Players are allowed to run with the ball.
>> Rugby players don’t rely on much protective gear. A mouth guard is the only safety equipment most players use, though some will use soft headgear.
>> Despite the lack of protective gear, rugby is a full contact sport where tackling is how you stop the other team from advancing the ball. Only the player carrying the ball can be tackled and once they are taken to the ground, the ball handler must immediately release the ball. In rugby, play does not stop when someone is tackled.
Emily Brown is a RedEye special contributor.