Rugby union gameplay

Imagine you and your friends are playing a game outside. Instead of just running after a ball, let's play a special game called rugby union.

In rugby union, two teams try to score points by carrying and kicking a rugby ball. Each team has 15 players who work together to try to score more points than the other team.

The game starts with the kick-off. One team kicks the ball high and far, and the other team tries to catch it. The team that catches the ball gets to attack and run towards the other team's side of the field.

But it's not as easy as running straight to the goal. The opposing team tries to stop them by tackling them. Tackling means wrapping one's arms around the person with the ball and bringing them to the ground gently using their bodyweight. It's important to do this gently so no one gets hurt.

If a player gets tackled, they have to let go of the ball. Then both teams try to grab the ball and take control of it. This is called a "ruck." Players from both teams push against each other, trying to win the ball and get a chance to attack.

Once a team has the ball, they try to carry it towards the other team's goal line. They can run with it, pass it to a teammate, or kick it. If they run with the ball, they have to be really careful not to drop it because then the other team gets a chance to pick it up and attack.

If a player successfully crosses the other team's goal line and touches the ball to the ground, it's called a "try." The team that scores a try gets 5 points.

After a try, the scoring team gets a chance to kick the ball over the goalposts. If they succeed in kicking the ball through the posts, they score an additional 2 points. This is called a "conversion."

But what if someone from the other team is doing something wrong, like not releasing the ball when they get tackled? The referee blows a whistle and gives a penalty to the opposite team. The team with the penalty gets a chance to kick the ball really far down the field and gain ground.

Also, if someone from the opposing team does something really wrong, like hitting someone with a closed fist or tripping them on purpose, the referee may give them a yellow card. This means they have to sit off the field for a short time, leaving their team with one less player.

The game lasts for two halves, with a break in the middle for players to rest. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins!

So, in rugby union, you have to work together, run fast, pass the ball, and try to score points while avoiding getting tackled. It's a fun and exciting game, but you have to remember to play safely and have fun with your friends!