The Game of Rugby

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Anthony_Bradshaw]Anthony Bradshaw
Rugby is a team game with the objective of scoring more points than the other team. Points can be scored in two ways, either by getting a try, or kicking the ball over the crossbar for a penalty. If you score a try your team gets 5 points, and the option to get a further 2 by kicking the ball over the crossbar between the posts, this is called a conversion, so there is a maximum of 7 points that can be scored from a try. A try is when the ball is touched on the ground over the opposite teams goal line.
Each team in rugby has 15 players on the field, and up to 7 players on the bench who can be substituted onto the field during the game. The game has two 40 minute halves.
There are two basic positions in the game, the forwards and the backs. Generally the forwards are bigger and stronger while the backs are smaller but faster as their role is to run the ball when the forwards get it back to them.
The forwards are subdivided into the front row (3 players), the second row (2 players) and the back row (3 players). These groups relate to the players position in the scrum which is made up of three rows of players. The backs are referred to as the halves (2 players) the three-quarters (4 players) and the fullback.
There are many rules in the game of rugby, but the basics are fairly easy to grasp. The ball must be passed backwards at all times, but can be kicked forwards. Anyone can run with the ball, however, when you are tackled to the ground you must release the ball to allow the other team the opportunity to pick it up. You must be on your feet to play the ball, so you cannot touch the ball if you are on the ground.
When the ball goes of the pitch to either side, there is a lineout which is similar to a throw-in in soccer. One player from the other team will throw the ball back into play, a number of the remaining players (the exact number can vary and is up to the throwing team) will line up to receive the ball. If the ball goes out of play at either end of the pitch it is kicked back into play from the "22" which is the line 22 metres from the goal line.
I hope this has helped you understand a little bit about the game of rugby, don't forget that the rugby world cup is on this year, so make sure you get your [http://www.rugbyshirtsformen.com]rugby shirts for men, and the shirt of your country such as the [http://www.rugbyshirtsformen.com/england-rugby-shirt/]England rugby shirt.
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