Basic rules of rugby and how it is compared to American Football?

Question

Hope someone can help me with this. Im moving to Australia next month and would love to know how to play this game and how it is compared to American football. Thanks!

Answer 1

For one thing, there are two kinds of rugby, Union and League.  Union is far more popular globally (and very much so in the US), but League is more popular in Australia.  Even then, except in two Australian states, Aussie Rules Football is more popular than either.

Of the two, League is much more like American football, in that you have a certain number of plays ("tackles") before the ball is turned over.  Rugby League has 6, and it can't be renewed like in American Football (over there, it's typically called "Gridiron").  Similarly, the 6th play will frequently see the team kicking the ball down then field, just as in Gridiron.  In Union, a team can retain the ball indefinitely because possession is contested after every tackle, whereas in League the tackled players' team automatically retains possession (except, of course, after the 6th tackle).

League was also more similar to Gridiron than Union was because League allowed pads much earlier.  Now both sports do.  Granted, they're not like Gridiron pads, they're more like from the old leather helmet days (except they use more modern materials than leather).  

In both rugbies, forward passes are not allowed and result in a change of possession.  Also, blocking is not allowed, you play behind the ball instead of in front.

Interestingly, the basic Gridiron score is a "Touchdown", though all the player with possession need do is have the ball break the plane of the goal line.  In rugby (both kinds), one has to actually touch the ball down (ergo the name) for it to count.  In rugby, however, it's not called a touchdown, it's called a "Try".  That's because, in the earliest days of the sport, it wasn't actually worth any points.  It was only by successfully kicking the point after that you scored, so by touching it down you got to "try" to kick for a point.  But that's a long time ago, interesting, but hardly relevant.  

If you are young enough, I'd suggest you find a local club down there and have a go.  They'll teach you, you'll find a team appropriate for your athletic ability and toughness, and you'll have a great time.  Though I'd been playing rugby for a few years, I did just that in New Zealand when I was younger.  I improved my game quite a bit and had the time of my life.  Good luck.

Jdub, above, also points out that tackling is different.  That's because in Gridiron, giving up a single yard when making a tackle can be as costly as missing a tackle, and because a running back should strive for every bit of ground he can get.  This leads to bigger collisions, as does the protection offered by a hard helmet and face mask.  In rugby, giving up a few yards doesn't much matter, except at the line, while missing the tackle can be disastrous.  And for the ball carrier, going down with the ball protected and in a position to be retained by his teammates (more important in Union) is more important than eking out a few more feet and losing the ball.  So the collisions tend to be less spectacular, as the tackler must make more of an effort to make sure his man goes down.  That said, a hit is still a hit, and there will be plenty of big tackles.

Answer 2

I'm an American who moved to Canada to go to school. I had never played rugby before but decided to try out and made the team. I thought it was going to be like football, but it isn't. However it is really quite easy to get the hang of if you are open to what the coaches tell you and if you let other people help you out with suggestions. I found that watching matches online and talking with other rugby players really helped me learn the rules of the game and helped me to become a rugby player

Answer 3

having played rugby until a year ago or so due to injuries affecting work (I'm self employed) most of the players don't really know whats going on. so there's no point over complicating stuff. If you enjoy controlled aggression, alcohol, and a laugh get to a rugby club and sign up. there's no better way of meeting great people in a new environment

Answer 4

Being from New Zealand where rugby is our national sport and playing it alot I know all about it and it doesnt compare to American football at all. The only similarity is the ball and the contact...the technique in the tackle, plays and rules are all completely different and theres very little protective gear in rugby except mouth guards...the rugby wold cup starts in a month or two watch that and watch New Zealand and you will learn alot. Work out your best suited position and study the top players and then practise.

Answer 5

First of all, it is a flowing game with the focus on keeping the ball alive and in play as long as possible. No stop/start like American football. So be ready to be on the move for longer periods of time. Then, no protective gear, tackling a player without the ball (blocking) or forward passes. The best advise is to watch games with a knowledgeable person close by to explain. Then join a club. They will use you where they need you and where you a physically able to play.

Answer 6

Rugby Union can not be compared to American Football at all. Maybe the only similarity is that it's played with an oval ball and all the players are supposed take possession of it and score.

It's one of the most beautiful of all games when in full flow. i.e: An All Black v. Wallabies match should and will teach you more than you want to know.

Anyway (think you're well versed in American Football) check out the following links for stuff (rules & regulations) on Rugby.