How to play rugby? And do you need to be big and fast?

Question

I want to do rugby, and play for my school team. Since me and my friends are all in grade 9, and have never played before, we sort of want to know what it takes. Do we need to be big? I really want to play, but I'm 5'3, and not very bulky or strong at all. I can run pretty fast, but I don't know what would make it easier for me to play. Can someone explain the rules?

Thanks!

Answer 1

first things first size doesn't matter look at the scrumhalfs there midgets and bulk is one thing you might have to work on slightly weights at night and a run in the morning should help so here we go I'll keep things to the bare basics. The breakdown at a tackle is the most complicated part of the game and different refs may interpret things slightly differently. As you become a better player, you will try to push the laws to their limits.

The objective is to touch the ball down to the ground in your opponent's try zone (endzone).

There are two groups of positions, forwards and backs. At the game's core, the forwards are the ball winners and secure posession of the ball and the backs exploit posession of the ball. Any player is allowed to handle the ball.

The ball cannot be passed foward, ever. It can be kicked forward. Also, only players that are on their feet are allowed to handle a ball.

The Breakdown: When you are tackled a "ruck" will likely form above you. Basically, you, the tacklee and the tackler are on the ground, and your teammates contest for the ball in a "ruck". Once you are tackled, you MUST release the ball if a ruck is forming. Your teammates (likely forwards) will secure it by pushing off opponents that are reaching for it. If your teammates are not there when you are tackled or are pushed off the ruck by the other team, the other team will be able to regain posession easily. If you are in open field and get tripped up, you can get up and keep running.

Maul: Mauls are typically initiated by forwards, so if you are a back, you'll rarely ever have to be involved. If you are tackled, but not brought down to the ground, and a THIRD person joins in that scene of contact, that is a maul. Ideally, if you are the tacklee at a beginning of a maul, your teammates will be behind you and can strip the ball from you (while remaining in contact) and continue to drive forward. A maul is allowed to continue as long as it is moving forward. Once it stops, the ref will tell you to "use it or lose it". If the maul is stopped and the ball does not come out, the tackling team is awarded the ball in a scrum.

There are some basics for you. Just remember these things:

ALWAYS be in communication with your teammates. Always tell them where they are and what you are doing. Also, always try to come from depth when running onto a pass. Always tackle low, and most importantly, have fun!

Answer 2

the previous answer was on point except I disagree with his size theory. there are different positions that require different body types, and many of the kids on my team are fat, muscular or lanky, we are very diverse and won the division in DE last year.

speed and agility matters if you do not have size to your advantage, you need to avoid tackles if unable to hit your "truckstick" if you are not fast enough to do that, you just have to be good at drawing more than one defender to free up a pass to your teamate =)

good luck dude

Answer 3

well , there are two different types of players on each team, fowards which are normally tall and big and there are backs which are small and fast

does that answer your question ??

Answer 4

You don't need to be big to play Rugby.  From your description it sounds like you would make a better back than a forward.  The nice thing about rugby as apposed to say American football is that both forwards and backs see about the same amount of time with the ball.

Here are the basic rules:

1. No blocking or screening.  

2. Back and lateral passes only.

3. When you are tackled release the ball as soon as you hit the ground. (It is best if you can to fall facing your team so that they would have an advantage over the opposition in a ruck.)

4.Touch the ball to the ground in the Touchzone to score.

5. Keep your tackles below the shoulders.

Good Luck

Answer 5

In rugby, just like any other (real) sport, it seems like the best athletes are the best. Your size could have an effect on what position you play, but it should not affect your decision to play. If you are competetive, tenacious, and determined, just play.

In 9th grade, they will be expecting to teach you the game, so be willing to work hard, learn, and have fun. If you can do this, you can participate in the greatest sport on earth.

As for rules, see if you can watch a few videos of games because that will teach you more than can be explained in text. Have fun!

Answer 6

hey, rugbys awesom to play, im similar im not bulky or terribly strong but im fast. You would be an awesome winger , thats what i play, simply - you get the ball and run like h**l hahaha rugbys great fun to play. Can be kinda complicated but youll pick it up quick. And get some one who actually plays the game to explain it to you!