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THE BASICS OF RUGBY - (Rugby Union)

Rugby union is played by two teams of 15 players.

AIM OF THE GAME

 The aim of the game is very simple - use the ball to score more points than the other team.

You can run with the ball, kick it and pass it, but passing forwards is not allowed.  Blocking is also prohibited.

Rugby union is a contact sport, so you can tackle an opponent in order to get the ball, as long as you stay within the rules. Play is continuous and does not stop at the end of a tackle.

There is a referee, aided by two touch judges (one on each side of the pitch), to decide how the rules should be applied during a game.

There are several ways to score points.

• A try - five points are awarded for touching the ball down in your opponent's goal area.

• A conversion - two points are added for a successful kick through the goalposts after a try

• A goal kick - three points are awarded for a penalty kick or drop goal through the posts

DURATION

A game of rugby union has two periods of 40 minutes each. In international matches the referee will stop the clock for stoppages.

Between the two halves, there is a maximum 10-minute interval, after which both teams change ends.

Want More?  The BBC Sport Website has in depth coverage of all aspects of Rugby from the place where it all began!