Tackling Rugby

The 22-metre line in rugby marks the distance from the try line and is used when players create a mark after successfully catching the ball.

Rugby advantage allows the attacking team to keep possession after an infringement/violation, giving them a chance to gain ground. If no chance is created, they are awarded a penalty.

The advantage line in rugby is an imaginary line that marks the point where the attacking team gains an advantage.

The All Blacks are New Zealand’s renowned national rugby union team, famous for their ‘all black’ coloured kits with silver fern emblem.

An ankle tackle is a technique used to bring down an opponent by tapping the lower part of their legs (ankle) to trip them. Also known as a tap tackle.

Players positioned farther from the scrum, responsible for scoring and directing attacking plays; known for their speed, agility, and handling skills.

Binding in rugby refers to players using their arms to hold onto teammates during scrums, rucks, and mauls for support and stability.

The side of the scrum or ruck with fewer defenders, creates attacking opportunities for the team.

Blood replacement in rugby allows a player with a bleeding injury to temporarily leave the field for medical attention and return later.

A high, strategic kick by the scrum-half in rugby to gain territory or create pressure for the receiving team.

A warning is given to players for minor infringement/violation during a rugby match.

Backs positioned between the fly-half and the wings, involved in both attack and defence during rugby games.

Blocking or deflecting an opponent’s kick by a player to disrupt play during a rugby match.

A conversion is a rugby scoring play where a player kicks the ball through the goalposts after scoring a try, in an attempt to gain an extra 2 points.

The dead ball in rugby is the area outside the field of play, often resulting in a stoppage of play.

A scoring kick is taken by dropping the ball and kicking it through the goalposts.

A drop kick is made by dropping the ball on the ground and kicking it.

A deceptive passing action made by a player to trick opponents in rugby.

A player who runs a deceptive line without receiving the ball to create confusion for defenders.

The No.8 is a forward position in rugby, playing at the back of the scrum and contributing to attack and defence.

The first fifteen refers to the starting line-up of a rugby team in a match.

Flankers are forwards in rugby who play on the sides of the scrum and ruck, involved in tackling and support play. Numbers 6 & 7.

The primary playmaker and tactical kicker in the rugby backline, often directing the team’s attacking strategies. Number 10.

Passing the ball in a forward direction towards the opponent’s try line is an illegal move resulting in a scrum or some cases penalty.

Forwards in rugby are players usually in the scrum and lineout, responsible for physical play, rucking, mauling, and tackling.

Any illegal or dangerous actions that violate rugby rules and regulations during a match.

The fourth official in rugby assists the match officials, particularly with technology and substitutions.

A kick is awarded to the non-offending team after a minor or major violation by the opponent in rugby.

The last line of defence in rugby, positioned deep to counter opposition attacks and join the backline during attacks. Number 15.

A high, spiralling kick is used to gain territory or create pressure in rugby matches.

Scoring action by successfully kicking the ball through the opponent’s goalposts in rugby. Conversion (2 points), Penalty Kick (3 points), Drop Goal (3 points).

The line is the boundary at each end of the field where players attempt to touch the ball down to score a try. Also known as a try line.

Goalposts in rugby are H-shaped structures located at each end of the field, where players kick for conversions and penalties.

A low, bouncing kick along the ground used to gain ground or catch defenders off guard due to its unpredictable bounce.

Traditional Māori war dance performed by New Zealand rugby teams, usually before kick-off.

A position in rugby that includes both the scrum-half and fly-half, key playmakers and strategists.

A legal move where a player pushes off an opponent using their hand during a tackle.

A tackle above the shoulder level is deemed dangerous and subject to penalties or sanctions in rugby.

A forward positioned in the middle of the first row during the scrum uses their foot to hook the ball to the back of the scrum. They are usually the ones to throw the ball back in play during lineouts also. Number 2.

A risky rugby pass that exposes the recipient to a high risk of being tackled aggressively.

An infringement is a violation or breach of rules, regulations, or laws.

When a defensive player catches an opponent’s pass and gains possession for their own team.

The area outside of the pitch. If the ball or player carrying the ball invades this area play is stopped and a lineout is formed from that place.

The initial kick that starts a rugby match or restarts play after scoring.

A player accidentally drops the ball forward, resulting in a turnover.

A supporting player binds onto a ball carrier to maintain possession during a ruck or maul.

A tackle made on a player after they have passed or kicked the ball, is considered illegal.

A method of restarting play after the ball goes out of bounds, where players form parallel lines, and the ball is thrown in. The team with possession of the ball determine how many players are involved.

Forwards positioned behind the front row in the scrum formation, wearing jersey numbers 4 and 5. Typically the tallest players and therefore catchers in the lineout. Also known as ‘Second Row’

A forward player specifically a prop positioned on the left side of the scrum formation. Number 1.

A mark in rugby is when a player catches the ball cleanly after a kick, allowing them a free kick from that spot. A mark can only be made within a player’s own 22-meter area.

A rugby maul is a phase of play where players from both teams bind together, while the ball carrier remains upright to protect the ball and avoid being tackled to the ground.

Murderball, also known as wheelchair rugby, is a full-contact team sport played by athletes with physical disabilities using wheelchairs.

Obstruction occurs when a player intentionally blocks an opponent without the ball, resulting in a penalty.

Passing the ball to a teammate while being tackled or already tackled.

A player is offside if they are in front of a teammate who last played the ball or the ball itself.

A player is onside if they are behind the ball or the last teammate who played the ball.

The flanker playing on the side of the scrum opposite to where the ball is fed in. Number 7.

Moving the ball between players using hand-to-hand (only backwards) or kick passes.

A punishment is given to the opposing team for a rule violation, allowing a penalty kick to be taken.

A kick is awarded to the non-offending team after a rule infringement, allowing them to kick for points or touch.

Awarded when a probable try is prevented by an opponent’s deliberate foul, resulting in 7 points.

A distinct period of play from one set piece to the next, involves multiple phases of possession.

The playing area where rugby matches take place.

A short, quick pass is usually made by a player running with the ball to a supporting teammate.

A deliberate rule violation by a player to prevent opponents’ advantage, resulting in penalties or cards.

Forward players are responsible for scrummaging and supporting players in rugby. Numbers 1 & 3.

A severe punishment where a player is sent off for serious foul play or misconduct, not to return to the game.

The Red Roses is the nickname for the England national women’s rugby union team, known for excellence.

A quick phase of play is formed when one or more players from each team bind over the ball on the ground after a tackle.

Rugby 7s is a variant of rugby with 7 players per team, fast-paced gameplay, and shorter match durations (typically 7 minutes per half).

Rugby League is a fast-paced variant of rugby union with two teams of 13 players each. The game emphasises continuous play, with limited tackles and scrums.

Rugby Union is the more famous variant of rugby with 15 players per team, featuring scrums, lineouts, and rucks, played globally with competitions such as Six Nations and Rugby World Cup.

The Rugby World Cup is a prestigious international rugby tournament held every four years, featuring the best national teams worldwide, for approximately 6 weeks.

A set piece (play) where players from both teams bind together to contest for possession of the ball.

A scrum cap is a protective headgear worn by rugby players to reduce the risk of head injuries, particularly during scrums and tackles.

A backline player is responsible for feeding the ball into the scrum and distributing it. Number 9.

A planned restart where players form specific structures contest possession, such as scrums and lineouts in rugby.

A 10-minute suspension of a player from the field due to a serious rule violation (yellow card).

Traditional pre-game war dance performed by the Tongan rugby team.

Traditional pre-game war dance performed by the Samoan rugby team.

The Six Nations is an annual rugby union tournament featuring six European teams: England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales.

The Springboks are South Africa’s national rugby union team, known for their success and iconic green jerseys.

Substitution is the process of replacing a player with a substitute during a match, usually to provide fresh legs or tactical changes. There is no limit to substitutions during a match.

The act of bringing down an opponent who is in possession of the ball during play.

Tag rugby is a non-contact version of rugby where players wear tags, and opponents must remove them to stop play. Usually played by children under 8 years old.

A tap tackle is a technique used to bring down an opponent by tapping the lower part of their legs to trip them. Also known as an ankle tap.

Specific prop player positioned on the right side of the scrum formation. Number 3.

Television Match Official (TMO), is a referee assistant using video technology to review and make decisions during matches.

Touch rugby is a non-contact version of rugby in which players score points by touching their opponents with their hands instead of tackling them. It is a fast-paced and inclusive sport that emphasises agility, evasion, and teamwork.

A try is a scoring action when a player grounds the ball over the opponent’s goal line/try line, earning 5 points.

The line is the boundary at each end of the field where players attempt to touch the ball down to score a try. Also known as a goal line.

A tunnel in rugby refers to the space between players during a scrum, where the ball is fed.

When the defending team gains possession from the attacking team, often during a ruck or maul.

An uncontested scrum occurs when a team cannot field enough players in the front row to safely contest the scrum. Players will still bind but not engage with any force.

The “use it or lose it” is a common phrase that means that a team must use possession of the ball within a specified time limit or else the opposition is awarded a scrum.

The Wallabies are Australia’s national rugby union team, recognised for their distinctive yellow and green jerseys. The name is derived from the wallaby, a marsupial native to Australia.

A back-positioned player on the edges of the touchline, often fast and agile, scoring tries. Numbers 13 & 14.

A temporary suspension of a player for serious foul play or repeated infringements, lasting 10 minutes.