Section

Rugby Laws Explained

The laws of rugby union in plain words: positions, scoring, offside, scrums, cards and how league tables are worked out.

Laws & Skills

Rugby Union Positions Explained by Shirt Number

Every rugby union position from 1 to 15 explained by shirt number, covering the forwards, the backs and how bench replacements are numbered.

A plain guide to how points are scored in rugby union, from a five-point try to a three-point penalty, with a worked example of a real scoreline.

Rugby union has a different offside line for open play, rucks, mauls, scrums and lineouts, and this guide explains each one in plain terms.

A rugby union scrum explained step by step, from the crouch-bind-set sequence to why scrums collapse, reset or become uncontested for safety.

Rugby union's yellow card sin bin, the bunker review and the 20-minute red card trial explained, along with what follows a card after the match.

A guide to rugby union bonus points, covering the try bonus, the losing bonus, the Six Nations Grand Slam bonus and how tied tables are resolved.