Q&A for How to Play Rugby

Practice and get in the best physical shape you can. Look up local teams and clubs online and reach out to the coach to tryout.

Yes. Speed is not the only asset you need to play rugby, and there is usually a place for everyone on a team.

You can't pass forwards.

In rugby league play, when a team loses possession or at the end of the team's six tackles. In rugby union play, when a team loses possession in a ruck or a maul.

7.

Different sidesteps don't necessarily have names. It's all up to you and how you're running.

You play tag rugby like normal rugby except you don't touch each other; instead you take of one of their tags. They must have two tags to play.Your aim is to get to the other side without getting tagged. When you get tagged you pass the ball and pick up your tag.You can't pass the ball forwards only sideways or back, otherwise the other team will have possession. There will be a certain amount of times you can get tagged before the other team will regain possession! If you go out there will also be a foul given to the other team.

Yes! That is absolutely legal. Players do it all the time.

A major difference between rugby and gridiron football is the amount of protective gear used. Football players wear large pads and helmets, whereas rugby players wear minimal or no padding, a mouth guard and sometimes a thin helmet.

When the ball is thrown to you, it will be put in a tight spiral, depending on who is throwing. Move your hands toward the ball. Link your hands to make a diamond shape between the two. Try your best to put the tip of the ball into the hole in your hands.

The penalty is awarded if a player has been hit on purpose and is in the box near the goalkeeper.

Yes, while playing rugby, you need a mouth guard, that should be compulsory, because it is a contact game that involves you to grabbing or hitting your opponent to collect the ball. The mouth guard protects you from injury.

Rugby is considered a rough game by many. However, if you are wearing right protective gear, e.g. gum shield, it is a relatively safe and fun sport. Remember that just because it is your school's favorite game, this does not mean you must play it. Try playing less rough games like basketball, or non-contact sports like golf, swimming or tennis.

Try to get your thighs or hamstrings to a sustainable strength so you can withstand light tackles. But don't feel the need to be strong enough to sustain a professional players tackle if you are just playing for your school team or locally.

This is more about your hands than about skill. It can help if you rub mud on your hands, spit on them and rub your hands together to make a sort of mud cover that will gain you a better grip.

It is a multi-gender sport that anyone can play.

Leave the ball for the scrum half to take care of. Get your head in if you're one of the first ones there but if there are 3 to 4 people already in the ruck and the ball looks stable, then step back and support the backs. And if you see an opening to pick and go, then go for it!