Rugby Scoring: How points are awarded

In rugby, points are awarded in several ways, depending on the type of score achieved. Here’s how each type of scoring works:

1. Try

A try is scored when a player grounds the ball in the opponent’s in-goal area (behind the try line).

Rugby Union: Worth 5 points.

Rugby League: Worth 4 points.

2. Conversion

After a try is scored, the team has the opportunity to kick a conversion from a spot in line with where the try was scored (anywhere along the try line). The kick must pass between the goalposts and above the crossbar.

Rugby Union: Worth 2 points.

Rugby League: Worth 2 points.

3. Penalty Kick

A penalty kick is awarded when the opposing team commits an infringement (such as offside, a high tackle, or collapsing a scrum). The team can choose to attempt a kick at goal from where the infringement occurred. The kick is taken from the ground, and if successful, it scores:

Rugby Union: Worth 3 points.

Rugby League: Worth 2 points.

4. Drop Goal

A drop goal is scored by dropping the ball and kicking it as it bounces off the ground through the goalposts during open play. It can be attempted at any time during the game, and the ball must be kicked on the drop.

Rugby Union: Worth 3 points.

Rugby League: Worth 1 point.

These are the primary ways points are scored in rugby, with tries being the most valuable and drop goals and penalty kicks offering tactical options to earn points during a match.

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Key terms commonly used in rugby

1. Scrum

A scrum is a method of restarting play after a minor infringement (e.g., a knock-on or forward pass). The forwards from each team bind together and push against the other team's forwards to compete for possession of the ball, which is thrown into the middle by the team awarded the scrum.

2. Ruck

A ruck occurs when the ball is on the ground, and players from both teams bind together over the ball to try and win possession. Players must use their feet to move the ball and cannot pick it up with their hands.

3. Maul

A maul happens when the ball carrier is held by one or more opponents, but the ball remains off the ground. Teammates then bind onto the ball carrier to try to drive forward while trying to retain possession.

4. Try

A try is scored by grounding the ball in the opponent’s in-goal area (behind the try line). In Rugby Union, it’s worth 5 points, and in Rugby League, it’s worth 4 points.

5. Conversion

A conversion is a kick taken after a try is scored. The kick is aimed at getting the ball between the goalposts and above the crossbar. A successful conversion is worth 2 points.

6. Penalty

A penalty is awarded to a team when the opposing team commits an infringement (such as offside or a high tackle). The team can either kick for goal, kick for touch, or opt for a scrum. A penalty kick at goal is worth 3 points in Rugby Union and 2 points in Rugby League.

7. Offside

A player is offside if they are ahead of the ball when it is passed or kicked by a teammate. Being offside results in a penalty for the opposing team. Players must also be onside during a ruck or maul to participate legally in play.

8. Knock-On

A knock-on occurs when a player accidentally drops the ball and it moves forward, either through their hands or body. A knock-on results in a scrum awarded to the opposing team.

9. Lineout

A lineout is used to restart play when the ball is kicked out of bounds. Players from both teams line up, and the team that didn't touch the ball last has the throw-in. Teammates can be lifted to catch the throw.

10. Tackle

A tackle occurs when one player physically brings another player to the ground while carrying the ball. Tackles must be below the shoulders, and players must release the ball after being tackled.

11. Drop Goal

A drop goal is a method of scoring by dropping the ball and kicking it as it bounces off the ground through the goalposts. In Rugby Union, it is worth 3 points; in Rugby League, it is worth 1 point.

12. Advantage

Advantage is played when a team commits a minor infringement (e.g., a knock-on or forward pass), but the referee allows play to continue if the non-offending team is still in a better position to gain ground or score.

13. 22-Meter Dropout

A 22-meter dropout is awarded when the ball is kicked into or over the in-goal area by the attacking team and not grounded by the defending team. The defending team restarts play with a kick from their own 22-meter line.

These terms are central to understanding how rugby is played and how the game is structured. They define the flow of play, how teams contest possession, and how scoring occurs.