The players

The teams compete with each other over 2 halves of 40 minutes each and are composed of 15 players and 7 replacements.

There are firsly 8 forwards that form the scrum with the "front row" composed of 2 props (1 and 3) and a hooker (2). the two "second row" forwards (4 and 5) and the 3 "back row" forwards (6, 7 and 8). The link to the backs is via the half-backs consisting of the scrum-half (9). who is the orchestral leader of the scrum and the stand-off or fly-half (10), who calls the play of the backs. The backs are composed of the 2 centres (12 and 13), the two wingers (11 and 14) and the full-back (15).

Object of the game

As in all team sports, the aim is to score more points than the opponents. For this each team can attempt to ground the ball in their opponents' in-goal area, which is behind the goal line and score 5 points. Following this "try", a kick is allowed to be made from a point that is in-line with the position where the ball was grounded. The kick can be taken by any player and must pass between thje posts and above the crossbar in order to convert the try and obtain a further 2 points. When a penalty is awarded, a kick at goal can be attempted from the spot where the offence was committed, which if it is successful scores 3 points. And finally, during the game a player may attempt a "drop-goal" by kicking the ball after having previously made it bounce up from the ground, which earns 3 points if it passes between the posts.

The principles

Three basic principles regulate the flow of the game :

• Each player must be in his part of the field in relation to the ball, which sets the offside position and creates the need to pass the ball backwards.
• The ball-carrier can be stopped by a tackle made using the arms below the shoulders.
• Any player that is on the ground must release the ball and move away from it.

Phases of the game

Other phases of the game have their own rules.

The phases of gaining possession of the ball, such as the lineout and the scrum, are moments of direct head-to-head confrontation and as such are strictly regulated to minimise the risk of injury.

The set scrum brings the forwards of each team together under the control of the referee. The ball is fed into the central tunnel between the 2 front rows and must come out via the feet of the rearmost players. The backs, who are not involved in the scrum, must stay 5 metres behind the scrum.

The lineout is formed level with where the ball went over the touchline or level with the kicker in the event that the latter was not within the area that is up to 22 metres from his/her own in-goal area, when kicking directly into touch. At least 2 players from each team form the lineout, along the centreline of which the hooker throws the ball. The understanding between the thrower and the jumpers most frequently allows the latter to gain posession of the ball. All of the players apart from the hooker, the scrum-half or those that are in the lineout, must be positioned in their part of the field at a distance of 10 meters from the lineout.

In the flow of the game, each new contact phase creates new offside lines. The players who wish to rejoin the contact phase must do so by coming in from the rear, whilst those who are not involved must stay behind, The "maul" is a contact phase wnen the ball is being held off the ground, whilst when it is on the ground it becomes a "ruck".

Refereeing

The referee is an important participant in a game of rugby and is certainly a contributory factor to the respect that the players may have for him. Rules may be infringed on numerous occasions and his interpretation enables a distinction to be made betweeen those who should be penalized and those who have not really been spoiling the game or infringing the rules of fair-play. When the fault committed is minimal or involuntary, the referee calls for a scrum with the put-in of the ball being given to the team that has suffered a disadvantage.

In the event of a more serious offence, the referee blows for a penalty, which may also be accompanied by a sending-off of the offending player, which may be temporary for 10 minutes (yellow card) or permanent (red card).

The spirit

Whilst the physical combat may be intense, Rugby is distinguished by respect, fair-play and the spirit of the game. Proof of this is shown the two lines formed by the winning team after the final whisle to applaud their opponents off the field.