History of Rugby

While playing soccer at Rugby School of England in 1823, William Webb Ellis picked up the ball in his hands and ran with it. This sparked an interest, leading to the creation of rugby. Cambridge University immediately adopted the game, popularized it and made local rules. The game grew popular at area schools and in 1871, ten years after the common rules of soccer were set, the first Rugby Union was founded in London and firm rules of the game were established. In 1895 rugby clubs in northern England called for compensation of lost wages for players. The Rugby League was founded as a result and a 13-player game with altered rules were created for professionals.
Rugby continued to flourish elsewhere, with special regard to Britain, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. The sport is now played in over 80 countries worldwide. The rules of rugby continue to evolve and amateurism remains as the dominant characteristic.

The Basics

Objective
The objective of the game is to gain more points than the opposing team within the allotted time of play. A draw is called if the scores are equal at the end of play. A try is scored when a player places the ball in the opposition's goal area. It is counted as 5 points and can be converted to an additional 2 points with a successful place kick made from a line perpendicular to the point at which the ball was scored. A goal can also be scored through a penalty with a free kick or a drop kick from the field.

The Game
The length of play is very flexible and determined by the level of play. The time is divided into two halves, with usually only a 5 minute half time. The length of an official 15-a-side match is two forty minute halves with a 5 minute "halftime". To 7-a-side and 10-a-side games are two 7 minutes halves. The game is not stopped for injuries until the ball is out of play. The referee may then choose to award a "minute given" and the team then has a minute to remove the injured player from the field.

The Field
The field used is grass with the usual exception of mud. The length of the field cannot exceed 100 meters (110 yards) and the width cannot exceed 70 meters (75 yards). Each try zone cannot exceed 22 meters (25 yards) in length. Goal posts shaped in the form of an "H" stand on the goal line at opposite ends of the field, at the beginning of each try zone. The lines usually drawn inside the field are 22 meters (25 yards) off goal, 10 meters (10 yards) off halfway and the halfway line. Also, a 5 meter (5 yard) alley is drawn along the lengths of the field measured off the touch line (out of bounds).

The Equipment
Players do not wear any padding or protection except for a mouth guard. The traditional uniform consists of a long sleeve cotton shirt with a collar. Shorts are usually cotton and rise to about mid-thigh. Knee-length socks with turnover tops are worn along with boots. An optional piece of equipment is the scrum cap worn by some forwards which made from leather or cloth and worn as protection for the ears. Any other item than what is listed is usually not allowed in play with the inclusion of jewelry. The ball is about 285 mm and the standard center circumference is about 620 mm.

Officials
The referee as they are called in rugby controls the game and sees that the players maintain good conduct and obey the laws of rugby. There is only 1 referee and that person is the only judge, time keeper and score keeper. There are two touch judges, one appointed by each team. They stand outside the touch line and follow the play. If the ball is kicked out of touch, the touch judge on that side lifts the flag and stands perpendicular to where the ball went out to mark it. The touch judges also determine if a goal kick is successful. The referee still has absolute authority and makes the end decision even if both touch judges disagree. The team coaches are not allowed to influence the team once they are on the field. Thus a captain is appointed for each team. The captain makes plays, encourages and leads the team. This person is the only means of communication between the team and the referee. Players are not allowed to address the referee unless they are called upon.

Players
15 people play at a time per side, each of which has specific duties as a player. Players are usually talked about in respect to two categories. Members of the first group are called the forwards, and consist of the first eight players. Members of the second group are called the backs, and consist of the remaining players. Sometimes the scrum half, number 9, is considered part of either group.

If you want to know more about rugby law, check the official website of International Rugby Borad.