Big body is a must for Rugby?

In general, people think that body contact is very likely in a Rugby match, therefore only people who are physically competent should play. This, however, is wrong.

The key to scoring lies is dodging and not colliding. Collision with another player is at most a defensive movement, but effective dodges give one the chance to score. When tackling the ball carrier, defenders can hold him down with any contact below his shoulder without any intention to harm. Otherwise, it is considered a foul.

The team with the higher score wins the match. For a player to score, he must carry the ball into the in-goal area and touch the ground with it, which is known as a “touchdown”. After the touchdown, the team will be rewarded a chance for a conversion goal, in which extra points are rewarded if the player is able to kick the ball over the crossbar and between the two goal posts. Furthermore, the ball carrier can also drop the ball during general play and kick it directly to the goal when it bounces off the ground.

During the match, the ball carrier can run forward, kick the ball forward, or pass the ball to rear-side teammates. A player who is in an offside position is liable to sanction if he participates in the offensive. If the ball carrier in either team carries or kicks the ball outside the playing area, the other team gains a throw-in.

If you are interested in playing rugby, you can browse the webpage of Hong Kong Rugby..

(Information source: Community Sports Club Bulletin Episode 27, LCSD)