Why don’t the teams go for the dropped goal more often? It seems that if you had a decent kicker you could rack up some points any time you were near the goal. So often they just lose the ball well before they get to the in-goal. Read more

I watched a good friends rugby game, and I was invited to their after party. Dear lord, never have I been so intimidated and half welcomed at the same time. Not really understanding what I had witnessed, I just tried to be respectful and let them enjoy their party as they earned it. It was really cool to watch and… Read more

You’re allowed to place the ball. Should be instantly after a tackle. Usually this means a body roll to be in the right position. If scoring a try, you get one movement to place the ball on or over the try line. If the player takes too long or makes multiple movements on the ground, it’s a “double movement” or… Read more

Formally the law says the tackled player has a duty to release or las the ball immediately . In practice whether that is 1 second or what feels like much longer is based on the what opposition does. If an opposing player is there legally and trying to poach the ball you are screwed if your non-release slows down the… Read more

Ball not coming out of a ruck is typically a weasel call, which referee will get dinged for if he’s being evaluated. Pretty hard for a ball to not come out of a ruck without a penalty being committed. Not the same for mauls obviously, just speaking to rucks. Read more

I’d say the same about Sevens, which I see on TV here in the states somewhat regularly these days. I was lucky to get free tickets to a Sevens tournament a few years ago. Despite having no idea what was going on at first, it was a blast to watch. I know it’s not “true rugby” but it’s a great way to get into the… Read more

I thought American College Rugby is comprised of kids that rushed fraternities but ultimately don’t get a bid. Read more

League is a test to see how simple a game could be and still be screwed up by the idiots playing it. Read more

Agreed. I have legit fallen asleep watching Union. I remember in Japan some of the Aussie expats would have NRL games on at the bars much better game to watch on tv. Read more

I’ve come to find this is pretty much the norm for rugby in the states. I played college and high school rugby here, and most of the refs lacked a basic understanding of the game. It’s a tough game to grasp, but it is a million times tougher when the rules being imposed aren’t correct / consistent. Read more

I’ve been playing (and explaining) this game to people for 15 years. This is an excellent piece of writing for someone new to the sport. That maul was ridiculous too. Read more

Starting playing in high school, 17 years later I’m still playing. Rugby is the greatest sport ever. Read more

I always describe it as a perpetual option play. Draw the defense, and pitch it out until you get a numbers advantage. Read more

Yep, it’s the back foot of the last player engaged in the ruck on your side of the ball. Read more

An entire (awesome) article about rugby for the durr-it’s-not-footsball neanderthals without a mention of how the referee controls the game play and the video review (TMO) and is begrudgingly respected by all? That’s the best part! None of the WWE-level zebra shenanigans, coaches reviews or command center BS you find… Read more

No mention of Olympic 7's? Best avenue for novices to get into rugby (7 minute halves!) Read more

I for one know I love when a hooker binds my scrum into a fly-half. Read more

TLDR: Just watch Sevens. Read more

I’ve always found it a bit amusing that in American football, you only have to try to get the ball over the line to score a touchdown, whereas in rugby you literally have to touch it down to score a try. Read more

Could we get a follow-up on Rugby Sevens, since that is getting increased press coverage (at least with the college game and the CRC Championships)? Read more