Interactive Explainer
RugbyRead the Gamefrom the Bench
Learn the flow of rugby — continuous play, rucks, and set pieces — and finally understand why the clock never seems to stop.
Sport DNA
Youth / Mini Pitch
~50–60 yds × 30–40 yds
Half-pitch common for U8–U10 minis
Full Pitch
~100–110 yds × 70–77 yds
In-goal (try zone) adds depth behind each goal line
Ball
Size 3 · Size 4 · Size 5
U9 / U11–U14 / U15+ (Union sizes)
Goal Posts
18.4 ft wide · crossbar 10 ft
H-shaped posts; kicks go over the bar
Players per Side
15 (Union)
Sevens: 7 per side on the same full pitch
Match Length
2 × 40 min (adult Union)
2 × 20–30 min common for youth · Sevens: 2 × 7 min
Countries Playing
120+ World Rugby members
Growing fast in US youth clubs and schools
Founded
1823 · Rugby, England
RFU codified rules in 1871
7s Attack
Rugby Sevens is the fastest version of the game — seven players a side on a full-size pitch. Huge open spaces mean fitness and support lines win matches. The scrum is smaller but the principles of binding and driving remain.
Tap any player to see their role
Ready to get them on the field?
Find local Rugby programs in your area.
Before the Start
Essential Gear
See all 9 itemsRugby Boots
Rugby boots look like soccer or football cleats but with reinforced toe caps for kicking. Molded rubber cleats work for most grass surfaces. Avoid screw-in metal studs for youth — most leagues don't permit them. Soccer cleats are an acceptable substitute for beginners.
Est. $40 – $120
Mouthguard
Required in all contact rugby leagues — no exceptions. A boil-and-bite model from any sporting goods store works. Custom-molded guards from a dentist fit better and last longer if your child takes rugby seriously. Replace annually or after any major impact.
Est. $5 – $30
Rugby Jersey
Rugby jerseys are thick, reinforced cotton or polyester-cotton blend — designed to withstand being grabbed and tackled without tearing. Most leagues provide a game jersey. Buy a practice jersey in a solid color. The collar is a traditional design, not decorative — it protects the neck from friction.
Est. $30 – $80
Rugby Shorts
Heavier than football or soccer shorts — reinforced at the hips and seat for sliding and tackling. Should sit high enough that the jersey stays tucked without an effort. Avoid pockets — extra fabric catches and tears.
Est. $25 – $60
Full gear guide
5 must-haves · 9 items total · Est. $80 – $250
Parent's Cheat Sheet
What just happened?
Official Wording
The ball may be carried forward or passed laterally or backward. A forward pass — throwing the ball toward the opposing team's goal line — is illegal and results in a scrum for the opposing team.
Parent Translation
Rugby is one of the few sports where you can carry the ball wherever you want, but you can only pass it sideways or backward — never forward. If your kid throws it forward, the other team gets a scrum restart. This is why you see the ball go backward and to the side so often — players are working the ball across the field while running it forward.
