What are steps to play rugby union?

Answer 1

It took me years of playing to develop a proper understanding of Rugby Union. There are many, many rules in the game, but I'll just tell you the basic ones. Basically, the team is divided into two parts; the forwards, usually being bigger and bulkier men, and the backs, usually being more agile, fast and fitter men.

After getting tackled by the opposition, you must immediately drop to the ground, let go of the ball, and leave it. The forwards will ruck over the ball to try and gain, or keep possession of the ball. The opposing team can also ruck over and gain possession of the ball. Nor the opposing or defending team can come in from the side, take the ball, and run away. The ball must be fed to the rear of the ruck as soon and carefully as possible, and given to the scrum half.

The scrum half will then pick up the ball, and either choose to give it to a forward or a back. If the team is being pushed back into their own try line, the scrum half will likely make the decision to give it to one of the backs, to kick. It is good to kick because there is a risk that the opposing team will gain possession of the ball, either through rucking, mauling, interception, or penalties, and score a try. If the ball is kicked to the other side of the field, it lowers the risk of an easy try by the opposing team.

For the most part, the ball will be given to the forwards. The forwards will definitely make good distance, through repetitively running and being tackled.

Throughout the game, it is highly likely that penalties will occur. For example, if a player drops the ball and it lands in front of them, it is called a knock on. In Rugby Union, the referee will usually call a scrum. All of the forwards from both teams bind in against each other in specific positions. The two teams must not engage in contact just yet, though. Once all of the players are in position, and have binded together, the referee will call, in order, "Crouch - Touch - Pause - Engage". On engage, the two teams will push against each other. The scrum half of the team who has the penalty will feed the ball into the middle of the scrum, in between both the teams. The hooker (the position that I play) must raise his foot and try to hook the ball, to get it to the back of the scrum. The other players in the scrum now have to transport the ball with their feet to the back of the scrum. The hooker must concentrate on winning the ball, whilst the rest of the players must concentrate on using the strength of their legs and upper body to move over the ball.

There is much more to rugby, and it will take you years to properly understand it. I have been playing rugby union for 8 years now and I am still asking questions. It is a great game but requires strength, fitness and agility. You have to be prepared for injuries, as it is a rough game. Luckily, I haven't really been injured my whole time playing.