Rugby World Cup - How to play Rugby.

 For those unfamiliar with the game of Rugby Union, 

the Little Rugby Fan has sort out the best simple explanation possible. 

Although this describes the senior game, which you'll hopefully be watching 

or reading about in the coming weeks, 

Rugby can also be safely enjoyed by young children in the 

form of non tackling Rugby. Rugby Union is a fun and exciting 

way for young children to learn valuable life skills 

such as leadership, team work, courage, sportsmanship 

and friendship in a safe environment. 

So, here's Rugby Union, simply explained...

Object of the Game

The object of the game is that two teams of fifteen players each, 

should score as many points as possible, by carrying, passing, 

kicking and grounding the ball with the team scoring the greater number of points 

being the winner of the match. 

It is classified as an 'end zone invasion game'. 

The aim of each team is to gain possession of the ball, 

take it into opposition territory and to place it in the in-goal area (end zone). 

Rugby is a game of continuous flow, there is constant competition 

for the ball at the breakdown. These are called Rucks and Mauls.

Simple Guide to Rugby

Rugby is a continuous game whereby two teams carry, pass, 

kick and ground the ball in order to score as many points as possible, 

with the team scoring the greater number of points being the winner.

In Senior rugby (and under 19s), 15 people play at a time per side, 

each of which have specific duties as a player. 

Players are usually talked about in respect to two categories. 

Members of the first group are called the forwards, or the pack, 

and consist of the first eight players. 

Members of the second group are called the backs, 

and consist of the remaining players, numbered 9 to fifteen.

If a player is tackled to the ground they must release the ball, 

which usually results in a ruck. If a player is held while standing, 

a maul will usually be formed. The purpose of the ruck or maul is 

so that the game can continue without any stoppage in play.

The line-out and scrum are two key distinguishing factors 

to the game of Rugby Union. A scrum occurs when there is an 

accidental infringement and a line-out occurs 

when the ball goes out of bounds. 

Both of these are methods of restarting the game.

A try is scored when a player places the ball in the opposition's in-goal area. 

It is counted as 5 points and can be converted to an additional 2 points 

with a successful place kick or drop kick. 

Points may also be awarded from a drop kick in general play and a penalty kick. 

Both are worth 3 points.