What does try, ruck and scrum mean in rugby union?
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Have you been watching the Women's Rugby World Cup and wondered what the commentators have been talking about? Don't worry, we've got your back.
Rugby union is played by two teams of 15 players, with matches lasting for 80 minutes.
Teams are allowed to make 'substitutions', with each side permitted to use up to eight replacements during the course of the game.
Thankfully, the aim of the game is very simple - score more points than the other team and you win.
You can run with the ball, kick it and pass it, but though passing forward is not allowed.
Here is a basic look at the terms and rules of rugby union...
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How do you score points?
The scoring is simple. A team gets five points for a try and two points for a conversion.
A try is scored by a player grounding the ball on or beyond the opponents' tryline.
After a try is scored, a player from the scoring team will attempt a conversion, where they try to kick the ball over the crossbar and between the posts.
This is a kick that takes place directly in line with where the ball was touched down. So, if a player scores between the posts, they can take their kick directly in front of them. However, if a player scores a try in the corner of the pitch, it is a much tougher conversion because of the angle they will be kicking it from.
Players can also score points from a penalty kick, where they are able to take a shot at goal from the point at which the offence occurred.
A drop goal is another method of scoring. That is when a player drops the ball from their hands in open play and kicks it just as it bounces on the ground. That is worth three points.
Another form of scoring points is through a penalty try, which is awarded between the goalposts if foul play by the opposing team prevents a try from being scored.
Ellie Kildunne scored a try for England in the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup opening game against the United States
What are the different positions?
The 15 players on the pitch are split between eight forwards and seven backs.
The forwards are numbered one to eight, and are typically responsible for focusing on defence, playing in scrums, and winning lineouts.
The backs are numbered nine to 15 in the starting line-up, and are typically faster, more agile, and focus on the team's attacking play.
A comprehensive explanation of each position can be found in our handy guide.
What is a scrum?
A scrum is a way of restarting the game after it has been stopped because of a minor infringement, such as a player throwing a forward pass, or knocking the ball on (see below).
Eight players will ordinarily join the scrum on each team, linking arms and forming three rows, and the scrum-half feeds the ball into the tunnel between the two teams.
The two hookers can compete for the ball, attempting to hook the ball back in the direction of their team-mates behind them.
The two teams use their strength to try to win the scrum, gaining ground on the pitch, or even forcing the opposition to concede a penalty.
Scotland's Caity Mattinson passes the ball out of a ruck formed by her team-mates
What is the difference between a ruck and a maul?
A ruck is formed - typically after a tackle - when the ball is on the ground and one or more players from each team, who are on their feet, swarm around it.
A maul happens when the ball carrier is held up on their feet by one, or more opponents, and one or more of the ball carrier's team-mates.
A maul needs a minimum of three players, the ball has to be off the ground, and a team can gain territory by driving their opponents back.
A player can also leave the maul carrying the ball and run away with it.
What is a lineout?
A lineout is a way of restarting the game after the ball, or a player carrying the ball, crosses the touchline.
The opponents of the team who last held or touched the ball before it went out of play throw the ball into the lineout, unless the ball was kicked out on a penalty or a player kicks from inside their own half and the ball bounces into touch in the opposition's '22' (marked by lines across the field).
The opposition can get the ball back if they outjump the team in possession. A player us usually supported by two of their team-mates.
The team throwing in the ball has the advantage as they can tell their team-mates the destination of the throw.
What is an advantage and how long does it last?
The advantage law was created to allow the game to be more continuous and have fewer stoppages.
When a team commits an infringement during a game, the referee might decide to play an 'advantage', giving the attacking team the option to keep playing.
The referee lets the attacking team know they have the option of continuing their attack or they can stop and receive a penalty or a scrum.
Advantage ends when the referee decides the team with the ball has had it long enough and nothing is developing - so they return to the point of the original infraction - or enough progress has been made.
England's Maddie Feaunati knocked the ball on whilst trying to score a try against Italy in the Women's Six Nations
What is a knock-on?
A knock-on occurs when the ball accidentally goes forward after coming into contact with the upper body of a player, then touches either the ground or another player.
If the ball is accidentally knocked on, play is then restarted with a scrum.
Unlike in rugby league, a player can also be penalised if they are judged to have intentionally knocked the ball on. The referee can then show them a yellow card and award a penalty.
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