Rugby is a vastly appreciated sport with teams and fans all over the world. However, not everyone who watches it, knows the In’s and Out’s of the game.
Whether you’re an avid season ticket holder, or someone who has only a slight interest in the sport, it is always a plus to be in the know about techniques and strategies within the game.
This list will shed some light on the game and give a brief explanation on some of long known procedures, so that you will be able to tell apart your Rucks from your Mauls and your Scrums from your Lineouts.
1. Warming up
This is one of the most important things a player is to do before the game begins.
Doing warm ups is essential as it increases the players body and muscle temperatures and prepares the players bodies for the physical activity of the game. It also helps lower the risk of injuries.
2. Team Talk
Team talks are a collective meeting of the players before they begin a match, to get them fired up and in a positive state of mind.
They are often stood in a circle to enclose each other around the captain who takes centre stage and reminds the players of what positions to take and what strategies to use.
3. Starting Line
The starting line before the match kicks off, is the official set of players who will actively participate in the game of Rugby. The players within the starting line are often referred to as the Starters, whereas the other players who are not in the starting line are referred to as Bench Players or Substitutes.
4. General Game play
The general game play of Rugby consists of two forty minute halves, played by two teams of fifteen players on each team, 8 “forwards” and 7 “backs”.
Each team is responsible for defending their end of the field, and take turns throughout the game at defending and attacking.
Half time is 40 minutes into the game. The teams have a 10 minute break before returning to the pitch, where they swap ends of the field and then continue into the 2nd half of the game.
5. Scrum
A Scrum is a way of which the game can be restarted in a fair manner if the ball is still in play. A formation is created and the forward players interlock arms, and push against the forwards of the opposing team. The ball is thrown into the scrum and the players attempt to kick it backward to their own side in order to gain possession of it.
6. Breakdown
A Breakdown is the name given to certain circumstances such as a tackle, which is then generally followed by a ruck, or a maul, each governed by a specific law. Both are attempts made by the defending side to stop the player that has the ball, by means of bringing him to the ground.
7. Lineout
A Lineout occurs when the ball leaves the field. It is then thrown down the centre of the lines of forward players, by a player from the team that did not allow the ball to leave the field. Both teams try to gain possession of the ball and the players may lift one of their team mates to increase the chances of gaining the ball.
8. Maul
A Maul is created when a player in possession of the ball is heading towards the goal line and is held up by a player from the opposing team. At least one team mate of the player in possession of the ball is then needed to bind with the ball-holder. The ball must stay in the players hands and all players should attempt to stay on their feet.
9. Ruck
A Ruck is what occurs when players from each team make contact with each other over the ball which is on the ground. The ruck takes place so that the players in each team can move their opponents out of the area in order for them to manoeuvre the ball into their possession, so that the game can be continued from that point in the game.
10. Tackle
Tackling is when a player attempts to bring an opposing player down to the ground when he is in possession of the ball. Tackling is a major part of the game and has rules such as players are not to make contact above the shoulders as this is dangerous and can result in player dismissal. It is also a necessity that the player releases the ball as soon as they hit the ground. They are then free to immediately pick the ball back up after being tackled, but only if they are standing on their feet.
Hopefully this has broadened your knowledge of the legendary sport, and created more of an understanding regarding the laws and gameplay of Rugby.
francescagray 
Great stuff! Seriously. windermere accommodation