Basic

The aim of the game is very simple: score more points than the other team. You do this by scoring tries, conversions, drop goals and penalties in your opponent's goal area. If both teams score the same amount or no points are scored then the match is a draw.

Time

A game of rugby union happens over two halves of 40 minutes, with injury time added on at the end of each half. In between the two halves, there is a maximum 10-minute interval after which both team change ends. The referee's whistle indicates the start and finish of the half.

Kick-Off

Before the start of the match, the referee will toss a coin to decide which team will kick-off the match. The team that wins the toss will decide which end they want to attack first and whether they or the opposition will kick off. The game is started by a place kick or a drop kick from the middle of the halfway line. But the ball must travel 10 metres from the kick off, otherwise the opposition have the choice of whether to take a scrum or a throw in on the halfway line with the feed or throw. A drop kick from the halfway line will re-start the game after a penalty or drop goal has been scored. The team that did not score will take the kick.

Ball

Rugby union is played with an oval shaped ball.

All balls must be between 280-300mm in length.

Most full size balls weigh between 383 to 440 grammes.