Rugby for Beginners

Rugby Union is a sport played by two teams of fifteen players and six substitutes controlled by a referee and two touch judges.  It is played in two 40 minute halves.  This article is aimed at giving a very basic introduction to the game of Rugby Union.  All photos are courtesy of Getty Images.

"It is through discipline, control and mutual respect that the spirit of the game flourishes and, in the context of a game as physically challenging as Rugby, these are the qualities which forge the fellowship and sense of fair play so essential to the game’s ongoing success and survival."
International Rugby Board Playing Charter