Basic 101
Enough to get you through a pub game...
- 15 players each side split between 8 forwards and 7 backs
- Play lasts for two halves of 40 minutes with a 10 minute break
- Any player can throw or kick the ball and pass the ball to another player
- The aim of the game is crossing the opposite tryline and placing the ball in the in-goal area
- The ball must always travel backwards from hands but can be kicked forwards
- When the ball is kicked, all players in front of the kicker must retreat before moving forward or they will be offside
- A try is worth five points, a penalty try is worth five points, a penalty kick is worth three points and a conversion is another potential two points
- Unlike football the referee is always called ‘Sir’ and very well respected