How to Play Irish Rugby

Several variations of the sport of rugby are played throughout the world, and Rugby Union (Irish rugby) is the most common form of the game. Other varieties include league and sevens, which use a different number of players. The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) was formed in 1879 and still administers the game in Ireland.

The object of the game is to score more points than the opposition during the match, which is played in two halves of 40 minutes each. The rules of Rugby Union are governed by the International Rugby Board (IRB).

Things You'll Need

  • Numbered rugby shirt
  • Shorts
  • Studded boots
  • Gum shield
  • Head protection
  • Body protection
  • Ball
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wear appropriate attire. Personal protection and correct sporting gear are necessary before commencing play. Check that the shirt number worn matches your position on the pitch.

    • 2

      Field 15 players per team. Split each team into positions on the pitch consisting of forwards and backs. The number on the back of a player's shirt determines the position he plays. The numbers and positions are:
      Forwards--1; prop, 2; hooker, 3; prop, 4; lock, 5; lock, 6; flanker, 7; flanker, 8; No. 8 (a specialized position for use in a scrum).
      Backs--9; scrumhalf, 10; flyhalf, 11; wing, 12; inside center, 13; outside center, 14; wing, 15; full back.

    • 3

      Start the game. Toss a coin to decide which team will start the game with a kickoff. The kicker sends the ball into the opposition's half of the field. The attacking team's forwards try to chase down the ball, and the defenders try to hold onto the ball.

    • 4
      Rugby is a physically demanding sport.

      Run forward with the ball when it is caught cleanly. The ball cannot be passed forward by hand to a teammate but may be kicked forward. A penalty is awarded to the opposition if the ball is not caught cleanly and dropped, which is called a knock-on. The opposition tries to retrieve the ball by intercepting a pass or tackling. A tackle is when a player holds onto another player by the waist or legs and brings him to the ground.

    • 5

      Score a try. Most points are accumulated by scoring a try. The ball is placed with downward pressure over the opposition's try line, which is the zone behind the H-shaped goalposts. A try is worth five points.

    • 6

      Execute a conversion kick. After scoring a try, the attacking team tries to gain another two points with this kick. The nominated player attempts to kick the ball between the goalposts and over the top of the goal's cross bar.

    • 7
      No. 8 retrieves the ball from a scrum.

      Earn other points. Three points are awarded for a drop goal when the ball is kicked between the posts and over the bar in open play or from a penalty kick. A penalty is awarded to the attacking side if an infringement occurs, such as offside (when a player performs an illegal move), barging, blocking or not releasing the ball.

    • 8
      The ball must be thrown an equal distance between the forwards.

      Scrum. If you are tackled and lose the ball, the referee may order a scrum on a specified mark. During a scrum, both teams' forwards combine shoulder to shoulder and bend at the waist. Both teams lock at the shoulders, facing each other, and push in the opposite direction. The ball is rolled into the middle of the scrum, and each team tries to push the opposition backward while keeping possession of the ball. No. 8's job is to retrieve the ball as it comes out of a scrum.

    • 9

      Throw the ball into play when a line-out is awarded. A line-out is taken when the ball is kicked or run out the side of the pitch. Both teams' forwards form a vertical line between 5 and 15 meters from the touch line. The team that did not put the ball into touch nominates the thrower. He launches the ball between the two sets of forwards, who attempt to catch the ball to obtain possession.