This
rugby games glossary is divided into 3 parts that includes an
introduction and a learning games section for new rugby players and
fans.

Rugby Games Glossary is dedicated to passionate game players and fans
that compete, watch this favorite of sport games and cheer rugby
gamerisms.Rugby is a sport that has translated well in many countries
and its
global popularity is evident.
At gamerisms, we were searching for a
10th game to add to the sports section. Our standards were
that
the game had to be popular worldwide with players and fans that are
keen and supportive of the game. During our research, we found all that
with rugby plus an understanding of the mindset of supporters. They
prefer not to be compared to US football or any other sport, but rather
let the unique game of rugby stand on its own—as it
deserves!
The result is what we at gamerisms believe to be one of the most
comprehensive rugby glossaries on the web--so to all passionate rugby
players and fans—enjoy your game!
Rugby learning games
section: Rugby Games Glossary
There are 2 types of rugby games and both are covered extensively in
this rugby games glossary. The first type is Union Rugby and is the
most common game played, while the second type is League Rugby.
The primary differences between the two types are the number of players
per team, scoring points and the end-result of a tackle. There is a
detailed comparison chart below.
The history of the game is based on several variations of football
played at Rugby School and various English public schools in the
nineteenth century. Between the mid eighteenth century and
mid-nineteenth century, the rules of rugby were based on local
agreements. For instance, the ball could not be run forward at all.
Handling the ball with the player's hands was allowed, but they could
not move forward with it. Eventually this changed at some point between
1859 and 1865. An individual named William Webb Ellis is accredited
with the concept of running the ball forward.
Rugby Games Glossary:
Rules
Rugby games have several different rules according to which version is
played. The primary rules that are similar are movement rules and how
points are scored. In rugby, the ball can be run or kicked forward, but
it can only be passed laterally or backward. The teams are designated
as attackers and defenders dependent upon whether they have the ball or
not. The attackers have the ball. The defenders do not.
Union Players: Rugby
Games Glossary
Rugby games of this type are played with fifteen players per team.
Players will contest possession after a tackle has occurred. Depending
on how play progresses, either a ruck or a maul may occur. Union play
also does not have a six-tackle rule. A team will keep the ball for an
unlimited number of tackles barring the fact that they score, lose
possession, or commit a form of offense.
The scrum is a large part of this game type. Several opposing players
will push each other trying to achieve possession. The lineout is
important as well. The lineout is where parallel player lines from each
team attempt to catch the ball from the touchline when it is throw.
League Players: Rugby
Games Glossary
League players do not contest possession after a tackle. Play will
instead continue with a play-the-ball. If the thirteen-member team does
not score within six tackles, they lose possession.
Scrum still exists in the league code. The importance is reduced
however as it involves a fewer number of players and is rarely
contested. Many league positions are the exact same as in Union rules
rugby games. However, league rugby has no flankers.
Rugby Games Glossary:
Scoring: Union
vs. League
While the ways to score are similar for both games, the points awarded
are different.
The try is worth 5 points in rugby union and 4 points in rugby league.
In both games, a conversion following a try is worth 2 points.
A drop goal is worth 3 points in union and 1 in league.
A penalty goal is worth 3 points in union and 2 points in league.
If a foul is committed by the opponents during a try, the referee may
award the points if it is determined that a goal would have resulted.
This Rugby games glossary could not be complete without listing where
the two types of games are played. The sport has caught on all across
the globe and in each area; it has taken on a life and language of its
own.
Varied game terms are used in Australia and New Zealand vs. US and
Europe.
The top-tier countries in this sport for overall enthusiasm and
consistent play are England, Wales, France, Scotland, Ireland, New
Zealand, Australia, Argentina, Italy, and South Africa. Japan and
America are noted entries in the second or third-tier countries.
In
some countries, such as Madagascar or Fiji, rugby games are considered
the national sport. The same is true in South Africa, Wales, and New
Zealand to name a few.
Comparison Chart
Rugby Union
Rules of Play and Scoring: Rugby Games Glossary:
1) A rugby union field is
a maximum of 144 meters long by 70m wide. There are 15 players per team
+ subs.
2)
Rugby union rules
dictate a right to contest possession.
A team in possession is not required to surrender possession while they
are able to keep the ball in play.
3)
Possession remains
challenged following a tackle or if a ruck or maul
forms.
Opponents are given a scrum if the player in possession drops the
ball forward or else moves the ball forward.
4)
Scrums are challenged
in rugby union
5)
Play does not stop
when a player is down in the case of a tackle. The
tackled player plays the ball and the tackler must give way at which
time, a ruck is formed.
6) Rugby Games
Glossary: Try:
and resulting points are scored
if an
attacker grounds the ball before a defending player.
A
player that is in touch
or touch-in-goal, but not the ball carrier,
may score a try by grounding the ball in-goal.
7) The
goal posts and
padding at ground level are considered part of the
in-goal area thus grounding the ball at the foot of the posts is worthy
of try points.
8) Once
an attacker is
tackled close to the goal line and stretches to
ground the ball on or over the goal line, a try is scored.
9)
Once a scrum nears or
crosses the goal, a player is likely to ground
the ball.
10) Conversion
kick may
be either a place kick or drop kick. |
Rugby League
Rules of Play and Scoring:
Rugby Games Glossary:
1) A rugby league field is between 112 and 122 meters long
by
68m wide. There are 13 players per team + subs.
2) Rugby
league has a
six-tackle rule. The team in possession has a set of six tackles before
handing over possession.
3)
Possession cannot be
challenged at this point, instead play restarts with a play-the-ball or
a handover.
4)
League scrums are not
challenged.
5) In
rugby league, a
play-the-ball action occurs after each tackle.
6) Rugby Games
Glossary: Try:
and resulting points are scored
if an
attacker grounds the ball at the same time as a defending player.
A player that is in touch or touch-in-goal, but not the ball carrier,
may not
score a try by
grounding the ball in-goal.
7)The
goal posts and
padding are not considered part of the goal line, therefore will not result in a try.
8) A
player that does not
reach the try-line or in-goal may not
stretch out to score if a defender is in contact
with them.
9)
Once a scrum nears or
crosses the goal, a try may not
be scored in a
scrum. However, when the ball is out of scrum, the player has a chance
to charge through his scrum to score.
10)
Conversion kick may
be a place kick only.
|
Rugby
Games Glossary: A
- Accidentally
offside:
occurs when an offside player finds it's impossible to avoid contact
with a challenger resulting in a scrummage for that player's team.
- Advantage: referee's
call that allows a non-offending team to continue playing uninterrupted
even after an infraction. This allows them to take advantage of the
fact that their opponents broke the rules without being penalized for
being innocent. It is a fair play system. How long the advantage lasts
is up to a referee.
- All Blacks:
New Zealand's
national team.
- Ankle Tap:
refers to a
normally last-ditch tackle attempt. This attempt involves a diver and
slapping assault to the attacker's ankle. If this is properly executed
during rugby games, it will result in his legs being knocked together.
This move is also known as a Tap Tackle.
Rugby Games Glossary: B
- Back Row:
consists of 2
second-row players plus a loose or lock forward to form the back row of
the scrum.
- Backs: refers
to the
player group that will normally not be involved in a scrum or lineout.
Usually this is number nine through fifteen. This does not include the
scrumhalf.
- Barbarians:
The name for
an invitational rugby team. The most famous of them is based in the UK.
They draw upon the finest players throughout the globe and bring them
together with the goal of playing matches against international teams.
They are also known as Baa Baas.
- Binding: is
a critical
skill for safe playing. In rugby games, this is the method for grasping
and gripping opposing players during a scrum, maul, and ruck.
- Bledisloe Cup:
title of
the yearly competition that occurs between the Australian and New
Zealand teams.
- Blindside:
term for the
weak side of the field. This is the short side of the rugby field in
comparison to where a set piece, maul or ruck, is happening.
Rugby
Games Glossary is followed by terms C - H
Part 2 provides a detailed listing of
Union
and League Players position numbers & names
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