Rugby Terms Explained: A Beginner’s Guide 

Have you ever been to a braai on a Saturday and the rugby is playing in the background? Have you heard the people around you screaming “ref, that was a knock-on” or “that maul was legendary” but had no idea what these terms meant? Well, you’re not alone.  

Rugby union has its own language, and understanding it is key to making the game more enjoyable. This “rugby dictionary” explains the most common terms you’ll hear during a match.  

Your Ultimate Rugby Dictionary

Scrum 

A scrum is a type of set piece used to restart play after minor infringements, such as knock-ons or forward passes. Eight forwards from each team bind together and push against one another.  

The scrum is divided into three rows. The front row consists of the props and a hooker. The second row consists of the locks. The back row consists of flankers and number eight.  

The scrum starts with the referee saying “crouch, bind, set”. The scrumhalf feeds the ball into the area created between them. The hooker then attempts to hook the ball back to their side.  

The goal of the scrum is to win possession of the ball and launch an attack to control territory and momentum.  

Ruck 

A ruck is formed when the player carrying the ball is tackled. Players from both teams compete for possession of the ball by closing over it while on their feet. The team who has possession of the ball tries to protect or maintain possession while the defending team tries to steal the ball.  

Players must stay on their feet when competing for the ball. As soon as players go off their feet, the ball can no longer be contested for. The ball must emerge from the ruck before it can be played. 

Maul 

A maul happens when the ball carrier is tackled but not brought to the ground. At least three players from an onside position need to be involved to push the maul forward. The ball remains off the ground during a maul. Here, offside or “in from the side” means that the player joined the maul from the side. 

Mauls are usually used near the try line as a way to gain territory and score a try. This is usually known as a rolling maul as players continuously move forward towards the try line.  

Try 

A try is scored when the ball is grounded over the try line by the opposition. It is worth five points and earns the team an opportunity to attempt a conversion kick for two extra points.  

Conversion  

A conversion happens when the ball is kicked through the goalpost after a try. The kick is taken in line with where the try was scored.  

A successful conversion adds an additional two points to the team’s score.  

Penalty 

A penalty is given to a team when they commit a more serious infringement. These include not releasing the ball after being tackled, entering a ruck or maul from the side, or being offside. 

The team who did not cause the penalty gets to choose to: 

• Kick for goals (worth three points) 

• Kick for touch (out of bounds) and gain territory 

• Tap the ball quickly and continue with the attack 

• Scrum 

Knock-On 

A knock-on happens when a player drops or fumbles the ball forwards off their hands or arms. It occurs after the ball touches the ground or another player. Note, it’s only a knock-on if it’s caused by hands or arms. The chest, knee, or head doesn’t count as a knock-on.  

After a knock-on happens, play is usually restarted with a scrum awarded to the opposing team.  

Forward Pass 

In rugby, the ball can only be thrown sideways or backwards. If the ball is a forward pass, then a scrum is awarded to the opposition.  

Lineout  

A lineout involves a group of forwards from each team lining up at the touchline (the point at which the ball has gone out of play). The hooker throws the ball between the two lines of players.  

The player who is able to catch the ball keeps it. After this, either a maul is created, or the ball is passed on to the backline. 

Advantage 

Advantage is called by the referee when one team commits a minor infringement. During advantage, play is continued as the non-offending team looks like they are gaining territory or might score a try.  

This continued play is known as playing advantage.  

Offside  

A player is considered to be offside when they are in front of the ball or the last player on their team who played the ball. Being offside can result in penalties and loss of possession. 

Sin Bin 

This is the area players go after they have received a 10-minute yellow card. During this temporary suspension, the team must continue playing with fewer than the normal 15 players.  

Red Card 

A red card is given for the highest offenses such as foul play or dangerous tackles. When a player receives a red card, they must leave the field immediately and can’t return for the rest of the match. They can’t be replaced if it’s a full red card but can be substituted if it is a 20-minute red card. 

For the duration of the red card, the team must play with 14 players.  

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So next time you are at a braai and the rugby is on, get involved in the conversation. Shout at the TV like everyone else now that you have a comprehensive understanding of the rugby basics.  

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