Rugby can seem confusing at first, especially when it comes to scoring. Many people watch a match and wonder how teams actually earn points and which plays matter most. The good news is that understanding the basics makes watching and playing much more enjoyable.
Scoring in rugby is not just about running with the ball. Teams earn points in different ways, each with its own rules and strategy. Even a small play can dramatically change the game’s outcome, which is why knowing how points are counted helps you follow the action closely.
In this guide, I will break down every way a team can score in rugby and explain why each method matters. By the end, you will have a clear picture of how points shape the game and how to spot key moments on the field. Let’s get started with the basics.
Introduction to Rugby
Rugby is one of the most exhilarating sports in the world, full of speed, skill, and raw energy. Fans from all corners of the globe are drawn to its thrilling pace and intense physicality.
At its core, rugby is about teamwork and strategy, blending running, passing, and kicking to outsmart the opposing team. Every match is a showcase of athleticism and coordination.
A standard game features two teams competing to score points by grounding the ball in the try zone or kicking it through the goalposts. Players are divided into forwards and backs, each with specialized roles.
Key elements include scrums, lineouts, and open-field plays, keeping the action continuous and unpredictable. Understanding these rules adds excitement and appreciation for the sport’s complexity.
Whether you’re new or experienced, rugby’s combination of strategy, power, and fast-paced gameplay makes every match a thrilling spectacle worth watching and playing.
Why Scoring Matters in Rugby
Scoring in rugby isn’t just about winning—it’s the heartbeat of the game. Every point counts, and understanding how and why scores happen can change the way you watch and play.
A try is the most valuable score, awarded when a player grounds the ball in the opponent’s in-goal area. It not only racks up points but also sets up a chance for a conversion kick, making it a key momentum-builder.
After a try, teams can attempt a conversion kick. Successful kicks add extra points and can swing the match, rewarding accuracy and skill under pressure.
When the opposition breaks the rules, a team can take a penalty kick. Drop goals can also earn points during open play. Both require precision and strategy, often deciding tightly contested games.
Scoring Points in Rugby
Ever wondered how teams rack up points in rugby? Scoring is at the heart of the game, and there are four main ways to do it: a try, a conversion, a penalty kick, or a drop goal. The goal is simple—accumulate as many points as possible by grounding the ball in the try zone or kicking it over the opponent’s crossbar. Here’s how each scoring method works:
Try: 5 points. A try happens when a player carries the ball into the opponent’s goal area and touches it down on the ground. It’s the most valuable single play in rugby and often sparks huge excitement on the field.
Conversion: 2 points. After scoring a try, the team gets a chance to kick the ball through the goalposts from a spot in line with where the try was scored. Successfully making this kick adds extra points to the team’s total.
Penalty Kick: 3 points. When the opposing team commits a foul, a penalty is awarded. The team can choose to kick the ball through the posts from the ground at the spot of the infringement, earning three points.
Drop Goal: 3 points. During open play, a player can attempt a drop goal by letting the ball hit the ground first and then kicking it through the posts. Timing and precision are key for this move.
Try – 5 Points
A try is the main way to score in rugby and is valued at five points, making it the most rewarding scoring method in the game. It is achieved when a player successfully grounds the ball in the opponent’s in-goal area, applying downward pressure either on the field behind the goal line or at the base of the goalposts. The act of grounding the ball must be controlled and deliberate for the try to be valid.
In certain situations, a penalty try may be awarded if a player would likely have scored but was prevented by illegal actions from the opposing team. Unlike regular tries, a penalty try is automatically worth seven points, and no conversion kick is required. This ensures that teams are fairly compensated for scoring opportunities lost due to foul play.
Conversion – 2 Points
After a try is scored, the team has the chance to extend their lead with a conversion worth two points. The kick must be taken from a spot directly in line with where the try was grounded, stretching back as far as the kicker prefers. Because of this rule, players often try to ground the ball close to the posts, making the angle easier.
To be successful, the ball has to travel over the crossbar and between the uprights. Most teams choose a place kick, where the ball is set on a tee and struck from the ground, but a drop kick is also permitted under the laws of the game.
In rugby sevens, however, there is no time for elaborate setups. All conversions are taken quickly using a drop kick, which keeps the game fast-paced and flowing.
Fun Fact: Jonny Wilkinson of England famously converted 162 times in international test matches, securing his place as one of rugby’s most reliable kickers.
Want to see conversion mastery in action? Revisit Wilkinson’s legendary precision during the 2003 Rugby World Cup Final — a performance still celebrated today.
Penalty Kick and Drop Goal
A drop goal is achieved when a player attempts to score during live play by releasing the ball from their hands, letting it strike the ground, and kicking it immediately as it bounces up.
Bonus Points in Rugby Competitions
The bonus points framework first appeared in New Zealand’s national league in 1995, later being incorporated into the Rugby World Cup group stages in 2003, and eventually implemented in the Six Nations Championship in 2017.
Designed to motivate teams to pursue additional tries; and to promote persistence by keeping squads engaged and competitive until the end of each match; the bonus points approach has generally been regarded as effective.
Rugby Union vs Rugby League Scoring
Rugby Union and Rugby League use different scoring methods: in Union, a try scores 5 points, a conversion adds 2, and both penalty and drop goals are worth 3 points each, giving a total of 7-10 points for a try with a successful conversion. In League, a try earns 4 points, a conversion is 2, a penalty goal scores 2 points, and a drop goal counts for 1 point, resulting in 6-8 points for a try with conversion.
Additional Rugby Elements for Beginners
For beginners, mastering rugby involves having basic protective gear such as a mouthguard, practicing core skills including passing, running, tackling, kicking, and decision-making, and learning important aspects of the game like field layout, scrums, lineouts, and rucks. Building teamwork, effective communication, and overall fitness is equally important to enhance both understanding and on-field performance.
FAQ
How many points is a try?
A try in Rugby Union earns 5 points, whereas in Rugby League it counts for 4 points. This score is achieved when a player successfully touches the ball down in the opponent’s in-goal area.
Can you score a try from a lineout?
No, you cannot score a try directly from a lineout; the lineout is a method to restart play, and the ball must be passed or carried into open play. While players can catch the ball and then run to score, a try cannot be awarded directly from the throw itself.
