THE RUGBY RANT · NEW TO RUGBY?

Learn Rugby: The Beginner's Guide

Rugby does not have to be complicated. Whether you're watching your first match, finding a position, or thinking about joining a local club, start with the basics and keep exploring at your own pace.

Quick starts: Rugby 101 · Rugby positions · Rugby 102 · Podcast episodes

1. Start With the Basics

Understand what happens on the field, how teams score and how to follow the flow of the game.

• What is rugby? A beginner's introduction
• Understand the rugby pitch
• How tries, conversions and penalties score points
• How passing works
• Kicking basics

2. Find Your Rugby Position

Different roles suit different playing styles. Explore the forwards and backs, position by position.

• Props
• Hookers
• Locks
• Flankers
• Number 8
• Scrumhalf
• Flyhalf
• Wings
• Centers
• Fullback

3. Understand the Referee

A few rules and referee signals help make any rugby match easier to follow.

• Referee hand signals
• Offside
• Penalty options
• Red and yellow cards

4. Go Deeper With Rugby 102

Ready for tactics and the set pieces? These lessons introduce the decisions and skills behind the game.

• The scrum: beginner's guide
• Lineouts
• The maul
• The breakdown
• The art of tackling
• Tactics and formations
• Defensive patterns

Explore the complete Rugby 102 collection.

5. Hear the Game From the People In It

The Rugby Rant's interviews and match conversations add perspective to the concepts you are learning. These episode pages provide a description and a direct link to listen or watch.

• Episode 244: The State of College Rugby
• Player interview: Freda Tafuna
• Episode 250: USA Rugby doubleheader
• Episode 249: USA Eagles fixtures

What Next?

Follow the latest rugby articles to put what you've learned into context, or subscribe to the newsletter for new rugby stories. If you're looking for more of the show, visit the episode library.

Growing Rugby One Fan at a Time.