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Beginner’s guide to rugby: how to get started
Invented in England in the 19th century, rugby has been a staple in our sporting culture ever since. Whilst not quite as popular globally as football, this sport is still something that generates lots of interest, with more and more people taking to the sport either as a spectator or a player. If rugby has started to pique your interest recently, and you’re looking for more information, our beginner’s guide will help you get started.
Keep reading as we take you through the basics of the game, answer common questions and give advice to those considering joining in on the fun.
When does rugby season start?
Rugby Union season usually starts in September and ends in May. This means that there’ll be plenty going on during these months, especially as championship matches kick off in October. With that being said, Rugby League is a little different, as this runs from February to October.
How long is a rugby game?
Rugby matches, no matter whether league or union, are 80 minutes long, and they are divided into two halves. The halftime break is 10-15 minutes long.
What’s the difference between rugby league and rugby union?
Whilst Rugby League and Rugby Union evolve from the same sport, they should be treated separately as they have completely different game codes, scoring and styles of play. You should familiarise yourself with both to decide which is best suited to you, but to help you with your research we’ve included a brief summary of each below.
How many players are in a rugby team?
Rugby Union has 15 players per side, while League has 13. But it’s important to remember that the differences don’t end there, as each game’s players follow unique play styles, and the positions are different. Union features more specialised positions and larger squads, while League roles are more fluid.
What are the play differences in the two types of rugby?
Union is the most popular sport in terms of global play, especially in Europe, but League is more prominent in Northern England and parts of Australia. In terms of play, in Union, possession is contested after tackles through rucks and mauls, whereas in League, teams are allowed six tackles before possession turns over via a simple “play-the-ball” restart. League is faster-paced with fewer stoppages and no line-outs, while Union emphasises set pieces like scrums and line-outs.
Are there scoring differences and how many points is a try in rugby?
Scoring also differs between the sports. Whilst in both a try is awarded when a player grounds the ball in the opponent's in-goal area, a try is worth 5 points in Union and 4 in League. After scoring a try, teams in both versions of the sport have the opportunity to kick a conversion, which is worth 2 points if successful.
When a team is awarded a penalty, they may choose to kick at goal; in Union, a successful penalty kick scores 3 points, whereas in League, it's worth only 2 points. Finally, a drop goal, where a player drops the ball and kicks it as it bounces during open play, scores 3 points in Union but only 1 point in League.
How long is a rugby pitch?
In Union, pitches measure up to 144m in length and 70m in width, including the in-goal areas. In League, pitches are smaller, with a length of 122m, and the width staying the same.
How much do rugby players make?
It is hard to put a price on a rugby player’s salary as it is highly dependent on age, experience, geography, and whether they have any endorsements or sponsorships. In England, premiership salaries on average range from £121,000-£217,000 but there isn’t really a ceiling on the amount you can earn. Some UK players have been reported to earn closer to £1 million, with those that play on the international stage earning these higher figures through the appearances they make overseas.
How to start playing rugby
If you’re interested in playing the sport yourself, there are a few things you can do to get started. The first is to start spectating matches (which we highly recommend)so that you can familiarise yourself with the rules and see for yourself whether this sport is the right match for you. Don’t forget that, whilst rules are in place, rugby is a contact sport and it is very competitive. If this is okay with you, then the next step to take is to join your local grassroots club.
Often, rugby teams are extremely friendly and welcoming and will frequently advertise looking for new members. If you haven’t seen any posters or social media posts just by chance, Google your local club to enquire or use a ‘club finder’ if you aren’t sure what your local club is. These will be different depending on your country (i.e., Wales, Ireland, Scotland).
Are the restrictions on who can play rugby?
Not at all! If you think you need to be of a large muscular stature or a certain age to play rugby, this isn’t the case. Rugby is very versatile and accessible to all, you just need to ensure that you’re playing in the right team and matches. There are no age limits of when you can start, and no requirements to have any prior experience. Just find a team that you can work with based on your current skill level and fitness ability. There are also teams and championships for wheelchair users, so nobody is excluded. In addition, just like football, there are plenty of women-only teams too, with more women taking up this traditionally male-dominated sport.
Some clubs also offer trial days, so if you don’t want to fully commit just yet, look out for these.
How can I be best prepared to start rugby from a complete beginner level?
Rugby is quite a demanding sport, both physically and mentally. If you want to go in prepared, we’d recommend improving your fitness level if you don’t currently exercise or would struggle to keep up in a club. You don’t need to do much, as you’ll build up stamina and strength as you go, but if you're completely new to fitness you should try to do some cardio and/or resistance training at home or at a gym. Burpees, jogs, push ups, planks, practicing running with a ball and passing it between the wall and yourself are all good exercises to do. You can even take a look at some of our beginner friendly blogs for exercise ideas, such as our ‘beginner’s guide to using a treadmill’.
That being said, as long as you go with an open mind and a willingness to participate and learn, you’ll be welcomed with open arms to your local club. You can even familiarise yourself with the laws of the game if you want to be more prepared.
What equipment do I need?
When you’re joining a rugby club, you’ll likely be able to borrow a lot of equipment from the club. However there are some things that you’ll need to bring with you. This includes:
- Rugby boots - these are a little different from football boots as they have a more raised heel and usually more studs. They’ll be essential for grip on grass.
- Mouthguard - mouthguards will protect your teeth if you fall or have a collision. For hygiene reasons, these can’t be borrowed and you’ll need to buy your own.
- Rugby training top - check if your club has specific kit colours or requirements and browse through our sports jerseys to find a suitable option.
- Rugby shorts - rugby shorts are traditionally shorter than football shorts, and usually have a tighter fit. If you don’t feel comfortable training in these just yet, browse our multi-purpose sports shorts.
- Rugby Socks - you’ll need some reliable socks that are breathable and comfortable, with a snug band to secure them so that they don’t fall down while you are running.
Ready to get stuck in?
Rugby might seem intense at first, but once you understand the basics, it becomes one of the most thrilling and rewarding sports to play, or watch. Whether you’re stepping onto the pitch for the first time or just learning the rules, every great player starts somewhere.
We know that performance starts with preparation. That’s why we offer high-quality, durable teamwear and sports gear designed to support players at every level. So, if you're ready to take part, we’ve got you covered.