Rugby union is New Zealand’s national game, and learning how to play it is more straightforward than the fast, physical action on television might suggest. At its heart, rugby is a running, passing and tackling sport where two teams compete to carry an oval ball over the opposition’s line. This beginner’s guide explains the object of the game, how points are scored, the main positions and phases of play, and the first steps to getting involved — in plain language, with every term explained the first time it appears.
Key Points
- Rugby union is played 15 v 15 over two 40-minute halves.
- The ball may only be passed backwards or sideways; it is moved forward by running or kicking.
- Points: try 5, conversion 2, penalty goal 3, drop goal 3, penalty try 7.
- You win by scoring more points than the opposition before time runs out.
- The easiest way to learn in New Zealand is to join a local club and start with safe, coached basics.
The object of the game
Rugby union is played between two teams of 15 players each. The aim is simple: score more points than your opponents within the time allowed. You do this by moving the ball toward the opposition’s goal line and grounding it there for a try, or by kicking it between the goalposts.
The one rule that shapes everything else is the direction of passing. The ball may only be passed backwards or sideways — never thrown forward to a teammate. Because of this, teams advance by running forward with the ball, kicking it ahead, or passing it back to a supporting runner. A player carrying the ball can be tackled (brought to the ground) but cannot be blocked or obstructed, so teamwork and support running matter far more than brute force.
The rugby field and equipment
A full-size rugby pitch is a rectangle. Under World Rugby’s laws, the field of play measures up to 100 metres between the two goal lines and up to 70 metres wide, with an in-goal area of up to 22 metres behind each goal line where tries are scored. H-shaped goalposts stand on each goal line.
The pitch is marked with several lines that govern different phases of play: a halfway line, the 22-metre lines, the 10-metre lines either side of halfway, and the 5-metre lines near the touchlines and goal lines. If you want the full measurements and what each marking is for, see our guide to rugby field dimensions and layout.
Equipment is minimal. Players wear boots with studs, a jersey, shorts and socks. A mouthguard (a moulded plastic guard that protects the teeth and jaw) is strongly recommended and compulsory in most grades, and some players wear soft padded headgear and shoulder padding within the limits the laws allow.
How scoring works
There are five ways to put points on the board in rugby union. A try is the most valuable single score and the main goal of attacking play; the kicks are worth fewer points but are far more reliable.
Scoring in Rugby Union
| Method | Points | How it is scored |
|---|---|---|
| Try | 5 | Grounding the ball with downward pressure over the opposition’s goal line. |
| Conversion | 2 | A kick at goal after a try, taken in line with where the try was scored. |
| Penalty goal | 3 | A kick at goal awarded for an opposition infringement. |
| Drop goal | 3 | Kicking the ball through the posts on the half-volley during open play. |
| Penalty try | 7 | Awarded when foul play prevents a probable try; no conversion is needed. |
A try is scored by grounding the ball with downward pressure over the opposition’s goal line and is worth five points. It also earns the chance of a conversion — a kick at goal taken in line with where the try was scored, worth two more points. A penalty goal (three points) can be kicked when the opposition commits an offence, and a drop goal (three points) can be struck from open play by dropping the ball and kicking it on the half-volley through the posts. Finally, a penalty try (seven points, with no conversion needed) is awarded when the referee judges that a try would probably have been scored but for foul play by the defending team.
How a match flows
A standard adult match lasts 80 minutes, split into two halves of 40 minutes with a short half-time break. The game begins with a kickoff from the halfway line. From there, the team in possession tries to advance through a series of phases — periods of continuous play between stoppages — by running, passing and kicking.
When a ball-carrier is tackled, they must release the ball, and play usually continues as both teams contest possession on the ground. Play stops for infringements, when the ball goes out of play, or when a score is made, and is then restarted with a set piece such as a scrum or lineout.
At the elite level, World Rugby is trialling several laws designed to speed the game up and keep it flowing. These include a 60-second shot clock for conversions and shots at goal, a 30-second limit to form a lineout, extra protection for the scrum-half at the breakdown, and a “20-minute red card” that lets a sent-off player be replaced after 20 minutes for offences that are not deliberate and highly dangerous. These trials apply to top competitions and internationals rather than community rugby, but you will see them when watching professional matches.
Key phases and set pieces
Much of rugby’s structure comes from how play is restarted and contested. Understanding these four situations will make the game far easier to follow.
Scrum
A scrum is a set-piece contest used to restart play after a minor infringement, such as a knock-on. Eight forwards from each team bind together and push against the opposition while the ball is fed into the middle and hooked backwards. Our technical guide to the rugby scrum breaks down the roles and the engagement sequence in detail.
Lineout
When the ball goes out over the touchline (sideline), play restarts with a lineout: the two sets of forwards line up a metre apart and the ball is thrown in straight between them, with players often lifted to catch it. Scrums, lineouts and mauls are covered further in our overview of rugby set-piece strategies.
Ruck
A ruck forms when the ball is on the ground after a tackle and players from both teams bind over it and compete for possession using their feet, not their hands. Winning quick, clean ruck ball is one of the most important skills in the modern game.
Maul
A maul is similar to a ruck but the ball stays off the ground: the ball-carrier is held up by teammates and opponents, and the group drives forward as a unit while the ball is passed back through the players’ hands.
Core skills to develop
Rugby rewards all-round athletes, but a handful of fundamental skills form the foundation for every position:
- Passing: delivering an accurate, catchable backwards pass off both hands while running.
- Catching and handling: taking the ball cleanly to avoid a knock-on (losing the ball forward).
- Tackling: bringing down a ball-carrier safely with the shoulder and arms, keeping the head behind or to the side — never leading with the head.
- Kicking: clearing kicks for territory, kicks at goal, and tactical kicks in behind the defence.
- Fitness: a mix of strength, speed and endurance to keep performing in a stop-start, contact sport.
Beginners should prioritise safe tackle technique and ball handling before anything else. Our guide to the core skills every rugby player should master is a useful next step, and because rugby is a contact sport, it is worth reading up on injury prevention for rugby players before you start full-contact training.
Positions on the field
The 15 players are split into two groups. The forwards (numbers 1 to 8) are generally bigger and compete for the ball in scrums, lineouts, rucks and mauls. The backs (numbers 9 to 15) are usually faster and more agile, and they create and finish attacking moves.
In brief, the forwards are the two props and the hooker (the front row), two locks (the second row), two flankers and a number 8 (the loose forwards). The backs are the scrum-half and fly-half (the halves, who link the forwards to the backline), two centres, two wings and a fullback. Each role has distinct responsibilities in attack and defence — for a full breakdown of every number and job, see our complete guide to rugby positions and player roles.
Common rules and penalties for beginners
A few recurring offences account for most of the whistle in a typical match:
- Forward pass: throwing the ball forward to a teammate; results in a scrum to the other team.
- Knock-on: dropping or knocking the ball forward with the hand or arm; also a scrum to the opposition.
- Offside: being ahead of the ball or the relevant offside line when you are not allowed to be involved in play. The offside rules in rugby are one of the trickier areas for newcomers.
- Not releasing / offside at the ruck: failing to let go of the ball or the tackled player, or joining a ruck from the wrong side; usually a penalty.
Serious or repeated foul play can be punished with a yellow card (ten minutes in the sin bin) or a red card. If you want to understand the disciplinary side of the game, our explainer on rugby yellow and red card rules covers how sanctions are applied.
Variants of the game
The 15-a-side game is the standard format, but rugby comes in several versions that are great for building skills and confidence:
- Rugby sevens: seven players a side over two seven-minute halves on a full-size field — fast, open and an Olympic sport. Learn more in our guide to sevens rugby.
- Rippa and touch rugby: non-contact versions where a tag or touch replaces the tackle, ideal for children and complete beginners.
- Age-grade and weight-graded rugby: junior formats with smaller teams, modified laws and graded groupings so players learn safely.
How to get started in New Zealand
The easiest way to learn is to join a local club. New Zealand has a deep grassroots network, and almost every town has a club with teams across age and ability levels. At a club you will get proper coaching, practise with teammates, and ease into contact under supervision rather than on your own.
Before your first full-contact session, build a base of fitness, learn safe tackle and body position, and always wear a mouthguard. Most clubs welcome newcomers of any age, and many run non-contact or social grades if you would rather start gently.
Common mistakes beginners make
- Running sideways instead of straight: drifting across the field gives defenders time and reduces space for teammates outside you.
- Passing forward under pressure: stay behind the ball and pass back to a supporting runner.
- Tackling with the head in the wrong position: always keep the head out of the contact area to protect yourself and your opponent.
- Standing still after a pass or tackle: rugby is about constant support play — follow the ball and stay involved.
- Ignoring the offside line: getting ahead of the ball at rucks and kicks gives away needless penalties.
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many players are on a rugby union team?
Each team has 15 players on the field at a time: eight forwards and seven backs. Teams also name replacements on the bench, and matches are won by scoring more points than the opposition.
Why can’t you pass the ball forward in rugby?
The laws only allow the ball to be passed backwards or sideways. This is the defining feature of rugby: it forces teams to advance by running and kicking, and to rely on support runners behind the ball. A forward pass results in a scrum to the other side.
How long does a rugby match last?
A standard adult match lasts 80 minutes, played in two 40-minute halves with a short half-time break. Junior and modified formats are shorter, and sevens is played in two seven-minute halves.
What is the difference between a ruck and a maul?
Both are contests for possession after contact. In a ruck the ball is on the ground and players must use their feet to win it. In a maul the ball stays off the ground in a player’s hands while the group of bound players drives forward.
Is rugby safe for beginners?
Rugby is a contact sport, so there is some injury risk, but it can be learned safely. Beginners should start with proper coaching, learn correct tackle technique, build fitness gradually, wear a mouthguard, and consider non-contact formats such as touch or rippa rugby before moving into full contact.