Get into Rugby | Rugby 101 | Training & Games | Other Stuff
Get into Rugby
- What equipment do I need?
To play rugby you’ll need rugby boots and a mouthguard. Some players choose to wear padded headgear and/or shoulder pads but that is up to personal preference. To join a come-and-try session, all you need is a pair of running shoes. - Is rugby safe?
Yes, with proper training and safety gear rugby can be safe. All levels of rugby union, from the World Cup to your local community club, place the highest priority on player safety. Coaches emphasise safe tackling techniques and the rules of the game are designed to minimise risk. - I’m kinda small, can I still play rugby?
Absolutely! One of the greatest things about rugby union is that it is a very inclusive sport and there is a position for every body size and shape. - I’m kinda big, can I still play rugby?
Yes! See the previous answer. - I’ve never played rugby before…
That’s not a question, but no worries. Our club welcomes players of all abilities, including complete newbies. Our qualified coaches and team leaders are here to help you learn the fundamentals of the game and have fun! - Do I need to be fit to play rugby?
Despite what some props* wish, rugby does involve running. Having said that, we’re a community club so we’re not expecting everyone to be a potential Olympian. We welcome members at any point in their fitness journey and the supportive team atmosphere might be just what you need to achieve your own fitness goals.
* A prop is a rugby position that suits heavier, stronger players. They generally don’t enjoy running much.
Rugby 101
- How do you play rugby?
Put simply, in rugby union the attacking team attempt to score points by carrying, passing or kicking the ball into their opposition’s ‘try zone’. The defending team attempts to stop them by tackling the player with the ball. - How long is a game of rugby?
Premier grade games are 80 minutes (2 x 40 minutes halves). Lower grades and juniors play shorter games, anywhere from 20 minutes halves for Under 6s to 70 minutes for Under 18s and seniors. - How many players are on a rugby union team?
There up to 15 players from each team on the field at one time, with up to 8 substitute players, making a full team of 23. - What are the rugby positions?
One of the most interesting aspects of rugby union is the variety of roles, or positions, on a team. The 15 positions are divided into forwards (the big ones) and backs (the fast ones) and the position correspond to the number on the starting player’s jersey:- Forwards: Props (1 &3), Hooker (2), Locks (4 & 5), Flankers (6 & 7), Number Eight (8 – who would have guessed?)
- Backs: Scrum-Half (9), Fly-Half (10), Centres (12 & 13), Wings (11 & 14) and Full-Back (15).
Learn more about rugby union positions here.
- What is the difference between rugby union and rugby league?
Rugby union and rugby league share a common ancestry but differ in a few keys ways:- Players: Rugby union has 15 players, league has 13.
- Scoring: In rugby union a try is worth 5 points, a conversion 2 and a penalty goal 3; in league it is 4 for a try, 2 for a conversion and 2 for a penalty.
- Game play: At its most basic, union is the original version of the game with more complex (but some would say better) rules, where as league favours a faster, simpler game.
- International appeal: Rugby union has a broader global reach, with 116 countries as full members and 18 associate members of World Rugby. The Rugby World Cup is a rugby union tournament.
Visit World Rugby’s Beginner Guide to learn more about rugby.
Training & Games
- When do you train?
During the regular season (approximately March – September) we train on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. For more details see the Teams page. - Where do you train?
Most teams train at Waite Oval, corner of Fullarton Rd & Claremont Ave, Urrbrae SA 5046. For more details see the Teams page. - Where/when do you play?
We play across the Adelaide metropolitan area plus the Barossa Valley. Visit Rugby Xplorer to see our upcoming fixtures. - Can I come and watch a training to see if I like it?
Sure! If you like, send us a message before you come, or just rock up and say hello. - Do I need to register before I can play?
Yes, to cover yourself and us. - Do I need to register before I can train?
Yes, to regularly participate in training sessions you’ll need to register, but training-only registration is quite cheap.