Rugby is a game played around the world (more then 100 countries) by men and women of every race and creed. In some countries, it's the national sport; in others the religion.

The object of a rugby game is to score as many points as possible by running, kicking, or passing the ball amongst the players on the field. The game is similiar to soccer in the sense that play is continuous and only stops when the ball goes out of bounds (called "touch" in rugby), illegal play has occured, or points have been scored. However, one could argue that the game is also similiar to American football in the sense that tackling is legal and the scoring occurs in large spaces at either end of the field or through five meter high uprights.

The basic game consists of 15 players, 8 forwards and 7 backs. The forwards participate in the only two set plays of the game, the scrum and the lineout. They are generally bigger and slower, but stronger than the backs. It is the duty of the forwards to move the ball up the field by driving into the opposing team and creating open spaces on the field for the backs. The backs move the ball forward by running or kicking the ball. They are generally faster and more spry than the forwards.

If you want more information on the fascinating and addicting game of rugby, please refer the rookie primer.

If you would like to play rugby, please contact us at wmsrugby@bc.edu. There is no experience necessary. Have you ever heard of high school rugby?