Many people are unsure about the differences between the rugby league and rugby union game. Outlined below are the main differences in the way the game is played and the pitch.
The number of players: There are 13 players in the League game and 15 in the Union.
Points for a try: A try is worth 4 points in League and 5 in Union.
Points for a field goal: A field goal is worth 1 point in League and 3 points in Union.
Points for a penalty kick through goals: A penalty goal is worth 2 points in League and 3 in Union.
Tackles allowed: In rugby league 6 tackles are allowed then the ball is given to the other team. Tackles are unlimited in rugby union unless the ball goes out of play or there has been a mistake or offence.
When the ball goes into touch (over the side line): A line out occurs in union but not in league.
If there is a mistake in field: A scrum occurs, in union 8 forwards push against the other team as the ball is rolled into the tunnel between them. The league scrum is a less ordered affair.
When a tackle occurs: In league the tackled player must ‘play the ball’ by rolling it under their legs, in union there is continuous play with constant competition for the ball.
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A rugby league field is between 112 and 122 meters long by 68m wide. There are lines going across the field which mark every ten meters the distance between try-lines is always 100 meters. An in-goal area extends six to eleven meters beyond each goal-line. At the goal line is a set of goal posts in the shape of the letter 'H', used for other forms of point scoring: field goal, penalty goal and conversion.
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A rugby union field is a maximum of 144 meters long by 70m wide. Lines are painted at the dead ball line, try line, 22 meter line, 10 meter line (broken line) and half way. The length from try line to try line is always 100 meters: the only varying distances on a rugby field are the width of the playing field, and the distance from try line to the dead ball line. Lines are also located 5 meters away from the try line and touch line and 15 meters away from the touch line. At the goal line is a set of goal posts in the shape of the letter 'H', used for other forms of point scoring: field goal, penalty goal and conversion. |
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| Rugby league position (shirt numbers) | Rugby union position (shirt numbers) |
| Prop forwards (8 and 10) | Props (1 and 3) |
| Hooker (9) | Hooker (2) |
| Second row forwards (11 and 12) | Locks (4 and 5) |
| Loose forward / Lock (13) | Flankers (6 and 7) |
| Scrum half / Halfback (7) | Number eight (8) |
| Stand-off / Five-eighth (6) | Scrum half or Half back (9) |
| Centres (3 and 4) | Fly half or 1st Five-eighth (10) |
| Wings (2 and 5) | Centres or 2nd Five-eighth and Centre (12 and 13) |
| Fullback (1) | Wings (11 and 14) |
| Fullback (15) |
