Rugby Facts

ONLY the captain may speak to the referee
Profanity during match play is forbidden
Matches last 70 minutes (35 minute halves)
The ball can ONLY be passed backwards
15 players per side
Players play BOTH offense & defense
No huddles, no timeouts, no downs – just open play like basketball & soccer
EVERY player can run and score the ball
There a 8 forwards and 7 backs on each side
Forwards form the scrum & lineouts
Backs are primarily open field runners
A “try” = 5 points, similar to a football touchdown
Conversion kicks = 2 points, similar to a football extra point
Penalty kicks = 3 points, similar to football field goals
Tacklers MUST wrap & engage below the shoulders, no shoulder tackling
No blocking for the runner
Once runner passes the ball, the runner can NOT be tackled
Any player can kick at anytime
Those substituted can NOT return to the field
7 substitutions are allowed per match
Post match cheering and hand-shaking lines are REQUIRED in honor of both sides and the referee