Rugby Lingo: Understanding the Jargon – Common Terms and Phrases Used in Rugby

Welcome to the fascinating world of rugby! Whether you're a novice just getting to grips with the basics or a seasoned fan looking to deepen your understanding, a good grasp of the sport's unique lingo can enhance your appreciation of this dynamic game. So, let's dive into the colourful vocabulary of rugby, exploring common terms and phrases that every rugby aficionado should know.

Try, Try and Try Again

Try – Let's start with the crowning glory of rugby scoring. A “try” occurs when a player grounds the ball in the opposition's in-goal area. Awarded five points, one might say it’s called a “try” because finishing the play with the ball in your possession “tries” the defence. But in fact the name goes back to the origins of rugby when touching down in the in-goal area enabled you to "try" to kick a goal at the time the only way to score a point. The Try  is now recognised as the heart and soul of rugby scoring, properly valued at 5 points, with the conversion to a goal at 2 points.

Conversion – Following a try, a team has the opportunity to add two more points via a “conversion.” The ball must be kicked through the opponent's goalposts along a straight line from where the try was scored.

Penalty Kick – Awarded after certain infringements by the opposing team, a penalty kick can earn three points if successfully kicked through the goalposts.

Drop Goal – Another three-pointer, a “drop goal” is scored when a player bounces the ball and kicks it through the goalposts on the half-volley during open play.

The Field of Play

Pitch – The field on which rugby is played is commonly referred to as the “pitch,” and it’s typically around 100 metres long and 70 metres wide, with lines across the width of the pitch de-marking the halfway line and the 22-metre lines.

In-Goal Area – The section beyond the goal line where tries are scored. It’s essentially rugby’s pre-cursor to the end zone in American football.

The Rugby Pack

Scrum – A hallmark of rugby, the “scrum” is a set-piece used to restart play after a minor infringement or stoppage. It involves eight forwards from each team binding together and pushing mightily against their opponents to compete for the ball, which is rolled into the centre by the scrum-half.

Line-Out – Another common method of restarting play, a “line-out” occurs when the ball goes out of bounds. Forwards from both teams line up perpendicular to the touchline and players are lifted into the air to catch or tap the ball to their teammates.

Ruck – This occurs when one or more players from each team, who are on their feet and in physical contact, close around the ball on the ground. Players use their feet to hook or drive the ball back to their side.

Maul – Similar to a ruck, but the ball is carried and not on the ground. Players from each team bind together and try to push the collective mass towards the opponent's goal line.

Positions and Players

Props and Hooker – The front row of the scrum consists of the two “props” and the “hooker,” who is in the middle. They are crucial for stability and play key roles in the scrum.

Locks – Standing tall, the two second-row players lock together the Front Row and provide the power necessary for pushing in the scrum.

Flankers and Number Eight – The back row of the scrum features two “flankers” and the “number eight,” who are dynamic players involved in attacking and defensive duties.

Scrum-Half and Fly-Half – Key playmakers in rugby. The “scrum-half” delivers the ball from the scrum, ruck, or maul, while the “fly-half” decides whether to kick, pass, or run with the ball.

Centres – Positioned between the fly-half and the wings, the “inside centre” (second five-eighth) and “outside centre” are tasked with breaking the defence and setting up tries.

Wingers – Speedsters situated on the edges of the pitch, the “wingers” frequently exploit space outside and zoom in to score tries.

Full-Back – The last line of defence, typically standing deep, the “full-back” is proficient at catching high balls and launching counterattacks.

Game Time

Knock-On – When a player mishandles the ball and it travels forward. It results in a scrum to the opposition.

Offside – A player is “offside” if they’re in front of a teammate who is carrying the ball, which restricts their ability to participate until they're back onside.

Advantage – Referees can play “advantage” following an infringement to see if the non-offending team can gain benefit from the play continuing.

Yellow Card – A caution, requiring a player to leave the pitch for 10 minutes, also known as “sin-binning.”

Red Card – The ultimate sanction, a “red card” means a player is sent off for the rest of the game, leaving their team a player short.

The Spirit of Rugby

Rugby is not just about the physical prowess but encapsulates sportsmanship and respect. Understanding the lingo allows you to better appreciate the intricate tactics and strategies at play, and the extraordinary skills of players.

So next time you're watching a match, you'll not only know who the “scrum-half” is but also understand what it means when someone says, “That was a textbook try!” Dive into the lingo, adhere to the ethos, and embrace the legacy of rugby. It’s more than just a game; it’s a timeless tradition.