About the Game
Rugby is for everyone!Â
Why We Love Rugby
Fast-paced, physical, strategic, and incredibly fun—rugby is unlike any other sport.
One of the best things about rugby is that there isn’t one “right” body type. Every player brings something different to the team, and every position relies on different strengths.
Rugby teaches lessons that extend far beyond the field. It builds confidence, teaches resilience, and challenges you physically and mentally.
Some players come for the competition. Others come for the fitness, the community, or the chance to try something completely new.
Whatever brings you here, you’ll quickly discover that rugby has a way of becoming much more than just a sport.
How the Game Works
Rugby Union is played with 15 players on each team over two 40-minute halves.
Unlike many sports, the game rarely stops. The clock keeps running, play flows continuously, and players are constantly attacking, defending, supporting teammates, and making decisions.
The objective is simple: move the ball down the field and score by grounding it in your opponent’s in-goal area for a try, worth five points.
Players can run with the ball, kick it, or pass it to teammates, but there’s one catch…
The ball can only be passed backward.
That simple rule creates one of the most exciting parts of rugby: everyone moves together. Teammates support the ball carrier, communicate constantly, and work as one unit to advance the ball down the field.
Rugby Positions
Every rugby team has 15 players, divided into two groups:
Forwards
The forwards are the engine room of the team. They’re responsible for winning possession, competing in scrums and lineouts, securing the ball after tackles, and doing much of the physical work that keeps the team moving forward. Strength, determination, and teamwork are their greatest assets.
Backs
The backs are the playmakers. Known for their speed, vision, and ball-handling skills, they use quick passing, creative attacks, and open space to create scoring opportunities. But don’t let the stereotypes fool you—backs tackle, and forwards score too!
Every position matters, and every player contributes.
Is Rugby Safe?
Rugby is a full-contact sport, and with contact comes some risk. While rugby is physical, it’s also a sport built on a culture of safety, respect, and proper technique.Â
Despite what many people think, rugby places a huge emphasis on safety and discipline. Our coaches are USA Rugby certified and trained to teach the game using progressive skill development. New players aren’t expected to jump into full-contact drills on day one. Instead, contact is introduced gradually, allowing players to build confidence while learning proper technique every step of the way. Before anyone is expected to tackle in a game, they’ll spend time learning proper body position, safe tackling technique, and how to protect both themselves and their teammates.
Player safety is our top priority. We follow standards which promote athlete safety, abuse prevention, and a positive, respectful environment for everyone involved. We are committed to creating a culture where players feel physically and emotionally safe, supported, and empowered to grow.
Rugby Culture
Ask any rugby player what keeps them coming back, and chances are they won’t say “winning.”
They’ll say the people.
Rugby is built on respect—for your teammates, your opponents, the referee, and the game itself. You’ll play one of the toughest, most physical sports around, then shake hands with your opponents and head to the post-match social together.
After every match, both teams gather to share food, drinks, stories, and celebrate the game. It’s one of rugby’s oldest traditions and one of the reasons the rugby community feels like family no matter where you go.
Wherever you travel, chances are you’ll find a rugby club and a group of people ready to welcome you.
Follow Us
3 Cold Springs Road | Dover, NH 03820Â
Great Bay Rugby is a 501c3 non profit in the state of New Hampshire.Â