The Key Differences Between Rugby Union & League

The number of players on the field is among the most significant differences between Rugby Union and Rugby League.

In Rugby Union, there are 15 players on each team on the field at any given time, comprising 8 forwards and 7 backs. The forwards consist of the front row (hooker, loosehead prop, and tighthead prop), second row (lock), and back row (blindside flanker, openside flanker, and number 8). The backs consist of the scrum-half, fly-half, inside centre, outside centre, wing, and fullback.

In Rugby League, there are 13 players on each team on the field at any given time, comprising 6 forwards and 7 backs. The forwards consist of the front row (prop and hooker) and back row (second row and lock). The backs consist of the half-backs (scrum-half and stand-off), centres (left-centre and right-centre), wing, and full-back.

The difference in the number of players significantly impacts the style of play in each sport. With fewer players on the field, Rugby League is often faster-paced, with more open spaces and fewer players to contest possession of the ball. On the other hand, Rugby Union is often a more physical game, with more players on the field to tackle and contest possession at the breakdown.

Both sports have the same basic objective of scoring tries, but the scoring system differs slightly. In Rugby Union, a try is worth 5 points, and a conversion kick is worth 2 points, while in Rugby League, a try is worth 4 points, and a conversion kick is worth 2 points.

In both sports, a try is scored when a player grounds the ball in the opponent's in-goal area. In Rugby Union, a player must also place the ball on the ground to score a try, while in Rugby League, a player only needs to ground the ball with downward pressure.

After a try is scored, a conversion kick is attempted. In Rugby Union, the kick is taken from a spot perpendicular to where the try was scored, while in Rugby League, the kick is taken from a spot in line with where the try was scored.

Both sports have two halves of 40 minutes each.

Also, the stoppage time rules differ between the two sports. In Rugby Union, the referee can stop the clock for certain events, such as injuries or substitutions. In Rugby League, the clock runs continuously, with the exception of stoppages for scoring, injuries, or other significant events.