RUGBY 101
New to the game? Learn the basics, meet the positions and get ready to follow Seattle Seawolves Rugby at Starfire.
Rugby traces its roots to Rugby School in England. According to a famous legend, student William Webb Ellis picked up the ball and ran with it during a school football match in 1823. The sport developed over the following decades into a game built on teamwork, skill and respect. Today, rugby connects players and supporters around the world—and here in Seattle, that shared passion brings the Pod together.
Two teams compete to score the most points by carrying, passing and kicking the ball. A standard rugby union match lasts 80 minutes, divided into two 40-minute halves. Players can run forward with the ball, but passes must travel sideways or backward. Kicking forward is allowed, subject to offside rules. Unlike football, play usually continues after a tackle as both teams compete for possession. Only the player carrying the ball can be tackled. Once brought to ground, that player must release the ball, and the tackler must release them and move away so play can continue. A try is worth five points. To score, a player grounds the ball on or beyond the opponent’s try line in the in-goal area. After a try, the scoring team can attempt a conversion for two more points. The kick is taken in line with where the try was scored and must pass between the posts and above the crossbar. A successful penalty kick at goal earns three points. A drop goal also earns three points: during open play, a player drops the ball onto the ground and kicks it as it rebounds, sending it between the posts and above the crossbar. A penalty try is worth seven points and requires no conversion. The referee awards it when foul play prevents a probable try or prevents one from being scored in a more advantageous position.
Referred to as 'the pitch', rugby has one of the largest fields in the sporting world: 100 meters long by 70 meters wide.
There are 15 players on the pitch, and 23 rostered for match day. Positions are specific to the number on the jersey. There are two types of position: forwards (1–8) and backs (9–15).
#1 and #3
There are two kinds of props: tighthead and loosehead. Their primary job is to anchor the scrum as part of the front row. Driving mauls, winning rucks, and lifting players in line outs also fall into their duties.
#2
The hooker has two specific roles beyond being physical in open play, and that's to win possession in scrums by hooking the ball with their foot back towards their team and throwing in the ball during line outs.
#4 and #5
Typically the tallest players on the pitch, locks use their size and strength to win restarts, steal the ball in line outs, and provide stability in the scrums.
#6 and #7
The flankers' main role is to force turnovers in the tackle and at the breakdown, and maintain possession when ball is in hand. Their speed in decision making and contact is crucial.
#8
The number 8 looks to secure possession at the back of the scrum, carry the ball in open play, and is a strong defender. Look for this player to 'pick and go' from the back of the scrum.
#9
The scrumhalf acts as the link between the forwards and the backs in both set pieces and open play. Scrumhalves have a consistent pass paired with good decision making and communication skills.
#10
The flyhalf works with the scrumhalf to make play calls and decisions on attack. A solid boot and game knowledge helps the flyhalf make strategic decisions for the team in phase play.
#11 and #14
The wings tend to be your fastest players, set to break the gainline and score tries when they receive the ball in space. Their defensive role is a tough one: requiring them to make open pitch, try-saving tackles.
#12 and #13
There are two types of centers: inside (12) and outside (13). Centers bring power, speed and flair on attack, looking to cut up the defense with strike lines. Defensively, they shut down the opposing backs.
#15
Considered the last line of defense, the fullback works with the wings as the 'back three' to prevent tries with their textbook tackling, shepherding, communication skills and delivery of clearing kicks.
