New to Rugby? A Beginner’s Guide

Welcome to the World of Rugby

Rugby is one of the most exciting, physically demanding, and passionately followed sports on the planet. Originating in the English Midlands in the early 19th century, the game has grown into a truly global phenomenon played in over 120 countries. Whether you have stumbled across a match on television, been invited to watch by friends, or simply want to understand what all the fuss is about, this guide will set you on the right path.

The first thing every newcomer should know is that there are two main codes of rugby: Rugby Union and Rugby League. They share common roots and look similar at first glance, but the rules, team sizes, and playing styles are quite different. Think of them as cousins rather than identical twins. Both are brilliant to watch, and many fans follow both codes enthusiastically.

Rugby Union — The Basics

Rugby Union is played with 15 players per side. The pitch is up to 100 metres long (plus in-goal areas at each end) and 70 metres wide. Matches last 80 minutes, split into two halves of 40 minutes each, with a short half-time interval. The objective is simple: score more points than the opposition by carrying, passing, or kicking the ball.

The ball can only be passed backwards or sideways — never forward with the hands. You can, however, kick the ball forward at any time. When a player is tackled, a contest for possession called a ruck forms on the ground. Scrums and lineouts restart play after certain infringements or when the ball goes out of bounds. Set pieces, breakdowns, and tactical kicking are at the heart of Union, making it a chess match as much as a physical contest.

Scoring in Union works as follows: a try (grounding the ball over the opposition’s try line) is worth 5 points, followed by a conversion kick worth 2 points. A penalty goal or drop goal is worth 3 points each. For full details, see our Union Scoring Guide.

Major Union competitions include the Six Nations, the Rugby World Cup, the Gallagher Premiership, the United Rugby Championship, and the Autumn Internationals.

Rugby League — The Basics

Rugby League is played with 13 players per side. The pitch dimensions are similar, and matches also last 80 minutes. The fundamental objective is the same — score more points — but the flow of the game is markedly different.

The defining feature of League is the six-tackle rule. When a player is tackled, they play the ball backwards with their foot (called a play-the-ball) and the tackle count increases. After six tackles, possession is handed over to the opposition, much like downs in American football. This creates a faster, more structured rhythm, with teams typically kicking on the fifth or sixth tackle to gain field position.

There are no rucks, mauls, or lineouts in Rugby League. Scrums exist but are largely uncontested and far less prominent than in Union. The emphasis is on speed, fitness, and direct running. Scoring differs too: a try is worth 4 points, a conversion 2 points, a penalty goal 2 points, and a drop goal just 1 point. See our League Scoring Guide for full details.

Major League competitions include Super League, the Challenge Cup, and the Rugby League World Cup.

Key Differences at a Glance

Which Code Should You Watch First?

There is no wrong answer here — it genuinely depends on what appeals to you. If you enjoy tactical depth, set-piece battles, and a slower build-up of phases, Rugby Union may be your starting point. The Six Nations in February and March is widely considered the best entry point for new fans: it is free-to-air on BBC and ITV, the atmosphere is electric, and the rivalries between England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France, and Italy are centuries old.

If you prefer non-stop action, fast-paced running, and a game that rarely pauses, Rugby League is for you. Super League runs from February to October, with matches on Sky Sports, BBC, and Channel 4. The Challenge Cup Final at Wembley (or Tottenham Hotspur Stadium) is a wonderful occasion and a great introduction to the code.

Many fans enjoy both codes. In the north of England, League tends to be the dominant code, while Union is more widely followed in the south, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. But there is nothing stopping you from following both — and we heartily encourage it.

Where to Watch in the UK

Rugby coverage in the UK is spread across several broadcasters. Here is a quick summary:

• BBC & ITV — Six Nations (free-to-air), Challenge Cup (BBC), selected Super League (BBC & Channel 4)
• Sky Sports — Super League, The Rugby Championship, summer tours
• TNT Sports — Gallagher Premiership, Autumn Internationals, Champions Cup
• Premier Sports / S4C — United Rugby Championship

For the full breakdown, see our TV Schedule page.

Essential Jargon for Newcomers

Rugby has its own rich vocabulary. Here are a few terms you will hear constantly:

• Try — Scoring by grounding the ball beyond the opposition’s try line.
• Conversion — A kick at goal taken after a try is scored.
• Scrum — A set piece where forwards bind together and push against the opposition to win the ball.
• Lineout — A set piece to restart play when the ball goes into touch (out of bounds). Union only.
• Ruck — A phase of play formed when the ball is on the ground and players from both sides compete for it. Union only.
• Knock-on — When a player drops the ball forward. Results in a scrum to the opposition.
• Offside — Being in front of a teammate who last played the ball. A common penalty offence.
• Sin bin — A 10-minute suspension for foul play (yellow card).

For the complete list, visit our Rugby Glossary.

What Next?

Now that you have the basics, we recommend diving deeper into whichever code catches your eye. Our dedicated guides cover Union rules, League rules, Union positions, and League positions in full detail. If you want to test your knowledge, try our Points Calculator or build your fantasy lineup with our Team Builder.

Welcome aboard. Rugby is a sport that rewards curiosity, and once it gets under your skin, it never lets go.