by Jeffrey Schaffer

Created on: October 25, 2009

The sport of Rugby is played in almost every country around the world. Though in America, it has not become a major league sport. To many Americans, rugby looks violent and confusing. With the many laws concerning rucks, mauls, tackles, line-outs and scrums, rugby can often seem more of a brawl than a game. And yet, rugby is that from which modern American football came about. And though it can seem unfamiliar at first, it is very enjoyable once a person gains some basic knowledge of the rules.

First of all, a rugby team is composed of 15 players. Eight of which are called forward and are larger, stronger players who are responsible for gaining and keeping possession of the ball. The other seven players are called backs, who are lighter and faster and are called upon to score.

Scoring is accomplished in four ways. The first way is a try, which is similar to a touchdown in football. Tries are scored by taking the ball over the tryline (goalline in football) and touching the ball down to the ground (this with where the term touchdown comes from). This worth 5 points.

After a try is scored, the scoring team has the opportunity to convert it for 2 points. A conversion (like the extra point) is scored by kicking the ball through the uprights.

A drop goal (similar to a field goal) is worth three points and is scored by dropkicking the ball through the uprights while in play.

3 points can also be scored by a penalty kick, which is allowed when a team is called for certain major penalties.

A match is composed of two halves of forty minutes each. Play is started by one team drop kicking the ball to the other team similar to a kickoff. Once in play a team can run, kick or pass the ball as need to reach the tryline and score. Players may only pass laterally or backwards, never forwards. It is illegal to block or obstruct a defender trying to get to the man with the ball. Kicking, however, is allowed at any point and be done by either punting or dropkicking.

Unlike American football, play does not stop when a man is tackled. Instead play continues and the tackled player must release the ball upon being brought to the ground. Attempting to cover up or obstruct the ball is a penalty. Both teams have the opportunity to take the ball, and in order to prevent the opposing team from getting the ball a ruck can be formed. A ruck occurs when a player binds (wraps his arms around an opponent) and drives him off the ball. Teammates will also bind on and attempt to force the other

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