Rugby Union

team sport · contact sport · England · strategy

Oval-shaped ball. Rugby uses a special oval ball that's different from a round soccer ball. The shape makes it easier to carry in your hands and throw to teammates.

15 players per team. Each team has 15 players on the field working together to move the ball down the pitch and score points. Every player has an important job to do.

Running with the ball. Unlike many sports, in rugby you can pick up the ball and run with it in your hands while your opponents try to tackle you. This makes it super exciting!

Scoring points. Teams score by getting the ball into the end zone (called a try), kicking it through the H-shaped goalposts, or kicking goals from penalties. Different plays are worth different points.

Started in England. Rugby union began at Rugby School in England during the 1800s and has grown into a world-famous sport played on every continent.