The Laws

In Rugby there are laws, or rules. There are a total of 28 laws.

Object of the Game

The Object of the Game is that two teams of fifteen players each, observing fair play according to the Laws and a sporting spirit, should by carrying, passing, kicking and grounding the ball score as many points as possible, the team scoring the greater number of points to be the winner of the match.

Some Summarys are Listed

If you would like the full summaries for other rules there is an address in my Resources Page

LAW 1. GROUND
The field-of-play is the area as shown on the plan, bounded by, but not including, the goal lines and touch lines.
LAW 2. BALL
The ball when new shall be oval in shape, of four panels.
LAW 3. NUMBER OF PLAYERS
A match shall be played by not more than fifteen players in each team.
LAW 4. PLAYERS' DRESS
LAW 5. TOSS, TIME
The duration of play in a match shall be such time not exceeding eighty minutes.
LAW 6. REFEREE AND TOUCH JUDGES
LAW 7. MODE OF PLAY
LAW 8. ADVANTAGE
LAW 9. BALL OR PLAYER TOUCHING REFEREE
LAW 10. KICK-OFF
LAW 11. METHOD OF SCORING
A goal is scored by kicking the ball over the opponents' crossbar and between the goal posts from the field-of-play by any place kick or drop kick, except a kick-off, drop-out or free kick, without touching the ground or any player of the kicker's team.
LAW 12. TRY AND TOUCH-DOWN
LAW 13. KICK AT GOAL AFTER A TRY
LAW 14. IN-GOAL
In-goal is the area bounded by a goal line, touch-in-goal lines and dead-ball line.
LAW 15. DROP-OUT
LAW 16. FAIR-CATCH (MARK)
LAW 17. KNOCK-ON OR THROW-FORWARD
LAW 18. TACKLE, LYING WITH, ON OR NEAR THE BALL
A tackle occurs when a player carrying the ball in the field-of-play is held by one or more opponents so that while he is so held he is brought to the ground or the ball comes into contact with the ground.
LAW 19. LYING WITH, ON OR NEAR THE BALL
LAW 20. SCRUMMAGE
LAW 21. RUCK
A ruck, which can take place only in the field-of-play, is formed when the ball is on the ground and one or more players from each team are on their feet and in physical contact, closing around the ball between them.
LAW 22. MAUL
LAW 23. TOUCH AND LINE-OUT
LAW 24. OFF-SIDE
LAW 25. ON-SIDE
LAW 26. FOUL PLAY
Foul Play is any action by a player which is contrary to the letter and spirit of the Game
LAW 27. PENALTY KICK
LAW 28. FREE KICK

To Rugby Home