How Many Points For A Try

How Many Points for a Try? A Simple Guide to Rugby Scoring

Rugby, with its dynamic gameplay and thrilling moments, can sometimes seem confusing to newcomers. One of the most fundamental aspects of understanding the game is knowing how points are awarded. This article focuses specifically on the "try," a crucial element in scoring and a cornerstone of rugby strategy. We'll break down exactly how many points a try is worth, along with related scoring opportunities.

What is a Try?

A try is the most basic way to score points in rugby. It's awarded when a player successfully grounds the ball in the opposition's in-goal area (the area behind the try line). Imagine the try line as a goal line in soccer; placing the ball on or beyond that line while controlling it is the key. The ball must remain in control – a simple drop or accidental touch isn't sufficient. The referee will signal a try by raising both arms.

Points Awarded for a Try

A successful try is worth 5 points. This is a fundamental rule across all levels of rugby, from youth leagues to professional competitions. This consistent point value simplifies the scoring system, making it easier to follow the game’s progression.

Conversion: Adding to the Try's Value

After a try is scored, the scoring team gets an opportunity for a conversion. This is a kick at goal from a position directly in line with where the try was scored, on the field of play. A successful conversion adds 2 points to the try's value.

Example: If a team scores a try and then successfully kicks the conversion, they gain a total of 7 points (5 for the try + 2 for the conversion).

Penalty Try: A Rarer, Higher-Value Score

In rarer instances, a referee might award a "penalty try." This happens when the opposing team commits a serious offense that prevents a try from being scored – for example, a deliberate knock-on or a dangerous tackle that stops a player certain to score. A penalty try is worth 7 points – the equivalent of a try and a conversion – as it represents a guaranteed try that was unfairly prevented.

Example: A player is about to score a try, but the defending player tackles them illegally, preventing the try. The referee awards a penalty try, awarding the attacking team 7 points.

Drop Goal: Another Way to Score Points

While not directly related to a try, a drop goal is another scoring opportunity worth mentioning. A drop goal is scored by dropping the ball and kicking it through the goalposts. This is a more difficult feat than a conversion and earns the scoring team 3 points. Drop goals are often used strategically to gain points late in the game or maintain possession.

Understanding the Scoring System

The rugby scoring system, though seemingly complex at first glance, relies on a few key elements. Understanding the point values for tries, conversions, penalty tries and drop goals is crucial for appreciating the ebb and flow of the game and accurately tracking the score. Each point earned brings a team closer to victory, and the strategic choices made regarding scoring attempts form an integral part of rugby's tactical depth.

Key Takeaways

A try is worth 5 points.
A successful conversion after a try adds 2 points.
A penalty try is worth 7 points.
A drop goal is worth 3 points.

By understanding these key scoring elements, you’ll be better equipped to follow and appreciate the intricacies of rugby matches.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What happens if the conversion kick is missed? The team still gets the 5 points for the try, but not the additional 2 points for the conversion.

2. Can a player score multiple tries in one game? Absolutely! Players often score multiple tries in a single game, significantly contributing to their team's overall score.

3. Are penalty tries common? No, penalty tries are relatively rare occurrences, as they require a significant infringement by the defending team that directly prevents a certain try.

4. Can a team score a try without a conversion attempt? Yes, if the try is scored very close to the touchline or the referee doesn't deem the angle suitable for a conversion kick.

5. How is a try different from a touchdown in American football? While both involve grounding the ball in the opposition's end zone, rugby tries require the ball to be grounded with possession, and the scoring value differs (5 points for a rugby try, typically 6 points for an American football touchdown). The awarding of a conversion following a rugby try is another key difference.

Search Results:

Scoring points - World Rugby Try - 5 points. A try is scored when the ball is grounded over the opponents’ goal-line in the in-goal area. A penalty try can be awarded if a player would have scored a try but for foul play by the opposition. A penalty try is now worth seven points with no conversion attempted. Penalty - …

World Rugby Passport - Tag Rugby - passport.world.rugby Try. When an attacking player is first to ground the ball in the opponents’ in-goal, a try is scored. Value: 1 point. Match organisers may decide to vary the number of points awarded in mixed gender matches. 9.2 Penalty try. If a player would probably have scored a try but for foul play by an opponent, a penalty try is awarded. Value: 1 point.

Reports | World Rugby Game Analysis They won four try-bonus points in their five matches. They averaged 30 points per game. They had by far the best defence, conceding only six tries while every other team conceded at least twice as many.

Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Rugby Sevens Competition Format 20 Jul 2021 · A try is worth five points and is awarded when a player touches the ball down on or beyond the opposing team's goal line. After a try is scored, the team also has a

Rugby Sevens FAQs | World Rugby Five points are awarded for a try, with the subsequent conversion worth an extra two. In the event of a penalty try, the scoring team is awarded seven points with no need for a conversion. Penalties and drop goals are each worth three points.

Penalty and free kick - World Rugby Three points are awarded for a successful kick. A team may choose not to kick for goal. Other options include a scrum, a ‘quick penalty’ to bring the ball into open play, or kicking for touch (where the kicking team has the throw in to the resulting lineout).

Definitions | World Rugby Game Analysis the build up to a try comprises (1) the number of rucks/mauls that occurred between the activity that produced possession of the ball and the scoring of a try and (2) the number of passes that occurred between the activity that produced possession of the ball and the scoring of a try.

World Rugby Passport - Laws by number Search Laws of the Game Search Passport © World Rugby 2009 - 2025. Terms and conditions of use | Privacy Policy | Cookies Policy | Confidential Reporting Policy

Scoring points - World Rugby Information about the different ways you can score points in the game of rugby union.

World Rugby Passport - 8 Scoring - passport.world.rugby Scoring a try - a player in touch-in-goal who is not holding the ball Penalty try 8.3 A penalty try is awarded between the goal posts if foul play by the opposing team prevents a probable try from being scored, or scored in a more advantageous position.

How Many Points For A Try