Rugby.........?

Question

explain the rules,any positions there are, and how to play...my school is starting a team but no one even knows how to play and im intrested, im 5''3 im not that big or muscular but im thinking of trying out.

Answer 1

It's great when you get into it.If your a fast runner, you should be a centre, if not, try being a scrum half, you don't really need to be tall or big for this.

PS.If you want to get into the game on an international level support Munster!!!We're going to win the Heineken Cup this year!!!

Answer 2

go to www.usarugby.org and click on the "fans" link at the very top left.  on the fans page, scroll down and you'll see a "spectator's guide to rugby"  its a great overview of the field, players, penalties, offense, defense, etc.  

i also suggest looking up your local men's/ women's club rugby team and watching them play!

Answer 3

he has pretty much summed up the game, but i have to tell you that rugby rocks and is the best sport ever!!!!!

Answer 4

ya i guess what that guy said, i play for my school, im 6'2 2nd row / prop, u could probably be a scrum half. and i wouldnt worry about making the team, there arent any teams that i know of that have an a side and b side.

Answer 5

Objective,

The object of the game is simple, advance the ball into the oppositions goaline and touch it down to score a try (this gives you 5 points). You then try to convert it by kicking it over the posts (this gives you two points).

Now comes the rules,

You are not allowed to move the ball forward with your hands (except when charging down a kick) and any attempt to do so (intentional or not) will be penalized as either a forward pass or knock on.  This results in a 'Scrum'. The  forwards from either team form into a 3-2-3 scrum formation and lock horns to try and secure possesion.

The only way you can directly move the ball forwards is to carry it or kick it.

If a player is tackled he must release the ball, the tackler must roll away. Usually now a ruck is formed where players from either side will try to either secure their own ball or steal the oppositions. Usually only forwards get involved in rucks but occasionally backs will as well. NO HANDS are allowed in the ruck.

If a player is tackled but does not go to ground a maul is formed, additional players may bind on to try and advance the ball. This often occurs at lineouts.

If the ball goes out of play on the touchline a lineout is formed, the hooker throws the ball in and players (usually the second row forwards) are lifted in the air to try and catch it.

There is obviously more detail than that but there's the basics, if you need any more help just add detail to your Q and i'll check back.

Positions, 15 players

Divided into two sections, 8 forwards and 7 backs.

1. Loosehead Prop - Scrummages, Supports Hooker in scrum, Provided channel in scrum for ball to be played back through, lifts in lineouts.

2. Hooker - Scrummages, 'Hooks' ball backwards in scrum, throws ball in at lineout.

3. Tighthead Prop - Same as Loosehead, tends to apply more pressure than Loosehead however.

4-5. Second Row/Locks - Second Row of scrum adding extra drive, Primary jumpers at lineout as a result they are the tallest guys on the pitch, general forward play.

6. Blindside Flanker - Covers Blindside (side closest to touchline) primary jobs are tackling and securing possesion in rucks, occasionaly employed as a secondary lineout jumper. Provides small amount of power at scrum but due to the way they are binded it is minimal.

7. Openside Flanker - Similar to Blindide but covers the Openside (Side furthest from touchline)

8. Number 8 - Similar role to 6 and 7 but tends to be more of a covering player there to smash anyone who breaks the line, normally the secondary lineout jumper after the locks.

9. Scrum Half - Often small and cocky, directs forwards, orchestrates attacks, passes out from rucks, mauls and scrums, must think on his feet.

10. Fly Half - Creative hub of the team, must be an all round player, good handling, passing, running, strength, tacklng, tackle breaking, thinking and most importantly a great kicking game. Often the set kick taker.

11 - 14 - WIngers - Often the fastest members of the team it is their job to finish off the teams work by scoring, must be fast, elusive, strong and have a solid defensive game to help out the full back. Good kicking is always helpful.

12. Inside Centre - Needs to have good kicking and thinking, should be strong in the tackle and good at breaking tackles. Handling and Passing are essential, speed is normally a must.

13. Outside Centre - Same as inside except often the smaller and faster of the two.

15. Full Back - Needs to be rock solid in the tackle and under the high ball. It's the full backs job to be the last line of defence so often hangs back while the others attack. Needs a great kicking game and should be fast.

Well i need to know your age to tell you what 5'3 is the right build for but at the moment i would say Scrum Half or Wing depending on your speed.

Like i say just tell me if you want to know anything else.

edit-

Sorry, forgot about the offside rule. If you play the ball from beyond the gain line (the line of the ball or breakdown) then you are judged to be offside and a penalty is awarded to the opposition.