A rugby field looks simple at first glance, yet its size often confuses players and fans. Many people believe every pitch has identical measurements, but the truth is more flexible. Understanding those details helps me see the game in a clearer way.
Standard guidelines exist, but variations appear depending on the level of play. Some pitches stretch longer, while others fit into tighter spaces, and that changes how the game feels on the ground. When I first learned the numbers, I realized how much strategy connects to the shape and scale of the field.
This guide takes apart every dimension in plain terms, from overall length and width to the smallest markings. By the end, I can measure any pitch with confidence and know exactly how it compares. Let’s step into the details of rugby field dimensions and see how they all fit together.
Rugby Union Pitch Dimensions
A rugby union pitch, commonly called a rugby field, is a rectangular playing surface primarily made of grass. Its size is strictly regulated by World Rugby, the sport’s official governing body, to ensure uniformity across matches.
The main playing area, measured from goal line to goal line, ranges from 94 to 100 meters (103–109 yards) in length, with a width between 68 and 70 meters (74–76.5 yards). Beyond the goal lines, each in-goal area extends the total field length by 6 to 22 meters (11–24 yards), bringing the full field length, including in-goal areas, to approximately 100 to 122 meters (109–133 yards).
Overall, the total playing surface covers between 7,208 and 10,080 square meters (8,706–12,055 square yards). These dimensions allow sufficient space for standard rugby union play, accommodating both tactical movements and the physical demands of the game.
| Measurement | Metric (m) | Imperial (yds) |
| Field of play (goal line to goal line) | 94–100 m | 103–109 yds |
| In-goal area | 6–22 m | 11–24 yds |
| Total field length | 100–122 m | 109–133 yds |
| Width | 68–70 m | 74–76.5 yds |
| Playing area | 7,208–10,080 m² | 8,706–12,055 yds² |
These specifications provide a clear framework for both professional and recreational rugby, ensuring consistency in gameplay and player safety.
Are all rugby pitches the same size?
Rugby pitch sizes are not uniform. The main field length typically ranges from 94 to 100 meters, while including the in-goal zones extends it to 106–144 meters. The width usually falls between 68 and 70 meters. Considering these minimum and maximum limits, the total playing surface can cover anywhere from 7,208 to 10,080 square meters.
What is the minimum size of a rugby pitch?
The smallest allowable rugby pitch measures 106 m in total length, consisting of 94 m between the goal lines and 6 m for each in-goal area. The width must be no less than 68 m, resulting in a minimum total playing surface of 7,208 m².
How long is a rugby pitch?
The length of a rugby pitch is not fixed. It usually measures 100m from one goal line to the other, though it can be as short as 94m. Each in-goal area adds between 6 and 22m, bringing the overall playing length to roughly 106–144m.
How wide is a rugby pitch?
According to official rugby regulations, the width of a rugby pitch ranges from a minimum of 68 meters to a maximum of 70 meters between the touchlines.
Rugby pitch dimensions in feet
- Goal line to goal line: 308-328ft
- In-goal area: 33-49ft
- Total length: 341-377ft
- Width: 223-230ft
- Pitch area: 76,000-86,710ft
Rugby Pitch Dimensions in Yards
- Goal line to goal line: 100-110yds
- In-goal area: 10-22yds
- Total length: 110-132yds
- Width: 70-76yds
- Pitch area: 7,700-10,032yds
Is a rugby pitch bigger than a football pitch?
A rugby pitch is 100-144m long, including the in-goal areas, and 68-70m wide, giving a total playing area of 6,800-10,080 sq m. A football (soccer) pitch measures 90-120m along the touchline and 45-90m wide, with a total area of 4,050-10,800 sq m. While the maximum areas are comparable, a minimum-sized football pitch is roughly 60% smaller than a standard rugby pitch, highlighting the generally larger dimensions of rugby fields
Rugby Field Components Explained
To grasp the layout of a rugby field, it helps to examine its main components, allowing you to picture the playing area clearly and understand each part’s role.
The playing enclosure
The playing enclosure, typically marked by barriers, seating, or protective boards, encompasses the full field and its surrounding area, ensuring clear boundaries and spectator safety.
The field of play
The field of play is the area enclosed by the goal lines and the touch lines, marking the boundaries for active gameplay. It serves as the primary zone where players compete, score, and execute strategies throughout the match.
The Playing Area
The playing area consists of the main field of play and the in-goal zones at each end. When the ball crosses the boundaries, play stops and the game resumes with a proper restart.
In-goal
The in-goal area lies between the goal line and the dead ball line, bordered by the touch-in-goal lines on either side. This section is crucial in rugby, as it marks the zone where teams aim to ground the ball to score a try.
The 22 area
The 22 area is the portion of the field extending from the goal line to the 22-meter line. It serves as the zone for defensive organization, attacking plays, and restarting the game through scrums and line-outs.
Pitch Markings
Understanding rugby pitch markings may seem tricky at first, but they follow a clear and logical layout. Here’s a breakdown of the main lines and their measurements:
- Field length and width: The touchlines run the length of the pitch, typically 94–100 m (103–109 yds), while the goal lines, defining the scoring area, span 68–78 m (74–85 yds) across.
- In-goal area line: This line marks the boundary at the back of the in-goal zone and is usually 6–22 m (7–24 yds) beyond the goal line.
- Goal lines: Running parallel to the in-goal boundary, goal lines stretch across the pitch at 68–78 m (74–85 yds), providing a clear scoring reference.
What are the markings on a rugby pitch
The markings on a rugby pitch define the field of play and indicate areas that relate to specific rules. These are typically shown with solid white lines.
- Pitch size: 94–100 m (103–109 yds) long by 68–70 m (74–76.5 yds) wide.
- In-goal area: 6–22 m (6.5–24 yds) from the goal line to the dead-ball line.
- Goal lines: Stretch across the width of the pitch, 68–70 m (74–76.5 yds) apart.
- 22-meter lines: Parallel to the goal lines, 22 m (24 yds) in from each goal line.
- Halfway line: Divides the pitch into two equal halves and runs parallel to the goal lines.
Rugby Pitch Lines in Feet
Rugby pitch lines are marked as either solid or dashed to guide play. The touchline, goal line (try line), halfway line, 22-metre line (72-foot line) and dead-ball line are solid. The 5-metre line (33-foot line), 10-metre line (33.0-foot line) and 15-metre line (49-foot line) are dashed. These markings define key areas for scrums, lineouts, and in-play boundaries.
Distance
22-metre line distance from goal line
72 feet (22 metres)
5-metre line distance from goal line
33 feet (5 metres)
10-metre line distance from halfway line
33 feet (10 metres)
15-metre line distance from goal line
49 feet (15 metres)
Rugby pitch lines in yards
In rugby, certain pitch lines are drawn as solid white, including the touchline and touch-in-goal line, goal line (try line), halfway line, 22-metre line (24-yard line), and dead-ball line. Dashed lines indicate the 5-metre line (5.5-yard line), 10-metre line (11-yard line), and 15-metre line (16.5-yard line).
Markings
Distance
- 22-metre line distance from goal line: 24 yards
- 5-metre line distance from goal line: 5.5 yards
- 10-metre line distance from halfway line: 11 yards
- 15-metre line distance from goal line: 16.5 yards
The Touchline
The touchline runs along both sides of a rugby pitch and marks the outer boundary of the playing area. In other sports, this is often referred to as the sideline. If the ball or a player carrying it crosses this line, the game is stopped and play restarts with a lineout. Extending beyond the field of play, the touchline continues as the touch-in-goal line, which forms the edge of the in-goal area at each end.
Measurements
Touchline length: 94–100m (103–109yds)
Touch-in-goal line length: 6–22m (7–24yds)
Overall length: 106–144m (116–157yds)
The Goal Line
The goal line, also known as the try line, is a solid white line that runs across the width of the rugby pitch at each end. It forms the front boundary of the in-goal area, which is the space where tries are scored. Crossing this line with the ball under control results in a try, making it one of the most crucial markings on the field. The goal line also
connects directly to the touch-in-goal lines on either side, creating a continuous boundary between the field of play and the in-goal area. Positioned between the dead-ball line at the back and the halfway line at the center, the goal line defines the scoring area while acting as a reference point for defensive and attacking play.
Measurement
- Length of goal line: equal to pitch width, 68–70 m (223–230 ft).
- Distance from halfway line: 50 m (164 ft).
- Distance to dead-ball line: 6–22 m (20–72 ft), depending on pitch size.
- Forms part of the in-goal boundary with the touch-in-goal lines.
The 22-metre line
The 22-metre line is drawn as a solid white line across the width of the pitch. When the defending team last touches the ball before it crosses this line, the attacking side is allowed to kick it downfield and out of bounds, with play resuming from the point where the ball went out. This line plays a key role in territorial strategy and restarting play after a kick.
Measurement
- Distance from goal line: 22 m (24 yds)
- Line length (across pitch): 68–70 m (74–77 yds)
The Dashed Line
Dashed lines on a rugby pitch mark specific areas and help players measure distance during play. Each dash is usually 5m long, clearly distinguishing these lines from solid boundary markings.
The 5-metre line runs parallel to the goal line, 5m from the touchline, guiding scrums, rucks, and lineouts. The 10-metre line extends from the halfway line toward each goal line, showing the minimum kick-off distance. The 15-metre line runs inside the touchlines, marking the legal lineout throwing area. Dashed lines ensure spacing is maintained and play is fair, offering visual cues for referees and players.
Measurement
- Dash length: 5m
- 5-metre line: 5m from touchline
- 10-metre line: 10m from halfway line
- 15-metre line: 15m from touchline
The Halfway Line
The halfway line marks the point that splits the rugby pitch into two equal halves. At its centre sits the cross mark, which indicates the precise spot for kick-offs. Play begins here with a drop kick taken by the starting team, which must travel at least 10 metres toward the opposition. After a try, penalty goal, or drop goal is scored, the game restarts from the same point in the same manner.
Measurement
Distance
- Halfway line length: 68–70m
- Halfway line distance from goal lines: 47–50m
- Centre cross length: 0.5m
The Dead-Ball Line
The dead-ball line defines the back boundary of the in-goal area and the playing field. When the ball passes over this line, or is carried by a player beyond it, play is stopped as the ball is considered out of play. This situation usually leads to either a goal-line drop-out or a scrum, depending on how the ball went dead.
Measurement
Distance
- Dead-ball line length: 68–70m
- Dead-ball line distance from goal line: 6–22m
The centre cross
The centre cross is located at the midpoint of the halfway line, marking the exact centre of the rugby pitch. It serves as the starting point for play at the beginning of each half and for restarts following points being scored. This marking is a short, solid white line measuring 0.5 m in length, clearly indicating the central position on the field for accurate placement and game restarts.
Goalposts & Flag Posts
Goalposts are located at the centre of each goal line and are vital for scoring in rugby. They consist of two upright posts connected by a horizontal crossbar, while flag posts mark the corners of the field.
The main purpose of goalposts is to allow points from conversions, penalties, and drop goals. Flag posts indicate field boundaries and assist referees in judging in-play situations. Both structures ensure accurate officiating and guide player positioning.
Goalposts must be firmly anchored and padded at the base for player safety, with padding typically 10–15 cm thick. Flag posts should be flexible to reduce injury risk.
How far above the ground is the top edge of the crossbar?
The upper edge of the rugby goalpost crossbar is positioned 3 metres above the playing surface. Each goalpost must reach a minimum height of 3.4 metres to meet official regulations. The posts are set 5.6 metres apart from centre to centre, ensuring proper alignment for scoring and gameplay.
How many flags are on a rugby pitch?
There are 16 flags on a rugby pitch, which are positioned along the perimeter of the field. Four flags mark the corners where the dead-ball lines and touch-in-goal lines intersect, while another four are placed at the junctions of the goal lines and touchlines. The remaining flags are positioned at both ends of the halfway line, the 10-metre lines, and the 22-metre lines.
Lines
1.4 There are solid lines positioned as shown in the field diagram. The solid lines appear on:
a. The dead-ball lines and touch-in-goal lines.
b. The try lines.
c. The 22-metre lines.
d. The half-way line.
e. The touchlines.
1.5 There are dashed lines positioned as shown in the field diagram. Each dash in a dashed line measures five metres in length. The dashed lines are:
a. Five metres from, and parallel to, each touchline.
b. 15 metres from, and parallel to, each touchline.
c. 10 metres from, and parallel to, each side of the half-way line.
d. Five metres from, and parallel to, each try line.
1.6 A single line 0.5 metres long intersects the centre point of the half-way line.
Goal Posts and Crossbar
The goal posts must be positioned vertically at the centre of the goal line. The distance between the posts should be 5.6 metres. The crossbar must be fixed horizontally at a height of 3 metres from the ground. All components should be securely anchored to prevent movement during play. Padding around the posts is recommended but must not extend more than 0.3 metres from the post surface. The posts and crossbar must be made of non-breakable material to meet safety regulations.
sFlag Posts
In addition to the goalposts and crossbars, flag posts are positioned around the field to indicate its boundaries clearly. Their primary function is to mark the corners and key lines, ensuring players and officials can identify the limits of play. There are a total of 14 flag posts: eight are located at the intersections of the touch-in-goal lines with the goal lines and dead-ball lines, while the remaining six are positioned at each 22-meter line and at the halfway line. Each flag post must have a minimum height of 1.3 yards (1.2 meters) to remain visible from all areas of the field.
