Rugby Guide: Rules, Slang, and How It Stacks Up Against Football

If you’re new to rugby or just want a quick refresher, you’re in the right spot. This guide breaks down the basics, points out the quirkiest Australian terms, and compares rugby to American football so you can talk the sport like a pro.

Core Rules and Play Basics

Rugby is played with 15 players per side (or 7 in sevens) on a rectangular field about the size of a soccer pitch. The ball can only be passed sideways or backwards; a forward pass means a penalty. Scoring comes from tries (5 points) when you ground the ball in the opponent’s in‑goal area, plus conversions (2 points) and penalty or drop goals (3 points each). Unlike football, there’s no off‑side line behind the scrimmage; instead, a player must stay behind the hind‑quarter line when kicking.

Set pieces are the heart of the game. A scrum brings eight forwards together to contest possession after minor infractions. A line‑out occurs when the ball goes out of bounds; players lift a teammate to catch the throw. Both require teamwork and timing. Remember, tackling is only allowed below the shoulders—high tackles earn a yellow or red card.

Rugby vs American Football: Who's Tougher?

Many fans debate which sport is more violent. Rugby lets play continue after a tackle, so the game is nonstop, while football stops after each down. Rugby players wear only a mouthguard and light padding, relying on technique to stay safe; football players suit up in helmets and heavy pads. Injury stats show rugby has fewer concussions per game but more joint sprains because of constant contact.

Both sports demand stamina, but rugby’s continuous flow tests cardiovascular fitness more heavily. Football’s strategic pauses let specialists rest and re‑enter. If you enjoy a fast‑paced, all‑body workout, rugby edges out football in pure physical demand.

Australian fans have a special way of talking about the sport. They’ll call the ball a “pig” or refer to the field as the “pitch”. A scrum is often called a “scrummage”, and a try can be nicknamed a “score”. Knowing these terms helps you blend in at a local pub after the match.

Safety tips are simple: keep your head up when tackling, use proper wrapping techniques, and always warm up with dynamic stretches. Hydration matters—games can run over 80 minutes in hot weather, and the quick turnover of play means you’re sweating a lot.

Whether you’re watching a Six Nations match, joining a weekend training session, or just chatting with a mate, this guide gives you the basics to understand and enjoy rugby. Keep it handy, refer back when you see a scrum, and you’ll sound like a seasoned fan in no time.