Rugby is a fast paced game for all types of people. No matter what shape you are, we’ve got a position for you. Seacoast rugby welcomes all new and existing players. If you’ve never seen a rugby ball before we’ll teach you everything you need to know. If you’ve played before we offer an excellent opportunity to grow your skills and advance as a player and an athlete.
Rugby Union is played in two 40 minute halves. It is a continuous game, the play and the clock don’t stop except for injuries. It is a full contact game, with defenders tackling the ball carrier in an attempt to stop forward progress and regain possession. Rugby players typically do not wear pads, and proper form minimizes the potential for injury on either side.
A rugby team is comprised of 15 players, split into forwards and backs. Forwards are generally strong and tough, and carry the ball short distances to maintain possession and make a few yards. They do the hard work of cleaning up messy ball and setting the backs up for fancy plays. The backs are generally fast, with good ballhandling skills and an ability to read the field. They take the ball and pass it out to make distance and find space.
The main rule of rugby is offsides – you must approach the play from behind the line of the ball, and if you are in front of the ball you are offside. This means that while the ball can be carried or kicked forward, it must be passed backwards. Since the play always moved forwards down the field there’s really no offense or defense players – everyone carries the ball and protects it after tackles, and everyone makes tackles and holds the defensive line.
One of the most important parts of the culture of rugby is the comradery with the opposition. Rugby is a tough physical game, but the violence is left on the pitch. Traditionally after every game a social is held, where members of both teams eat and drink together, and honors players on their own side and their opponents. Different clubs often combine to enter into tournaments, and wherever you go in the world if you can find a rugby team you know you’ll find friends.
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Looking for a more information? Check out the Rugby Rookie Primer.