For parents & first-timers
Rugby looks like chaos until it clicks — then it's the best game there is. Here's what you need to follow a Raiders match.
Rugby union is 15 players a side, two 40-minute halves. Carry, pass, or kick the ball into the opponent's in-goal area to score. The catch: you can only pass backward or sideways — never forward. All the forward progress comes from running and kicking.
The eight forwards (bigger, do the heavy contact work — scrums, lineouts, rucks) win the ball. The seven backs (faster, more open-field) turn it into points. Jersey numbers show position: 1–8 are forwards, 9–15 are backs.
When a ball-carrier is tackled to the ground, players bind over the ball to fight for it — that's a ruck. If the carrier stays on their feet and teammates drive them forward, it's a maul. No blocking, no pads — technique and leverage over size.
Play restarts after minor infractions with a scrum (forwards pack together and push for the ball) or, when the ball goes out of bounds, a lineout (players lifted to catch a throw-in).
Broadly, you must stay behind the ball to be onside. Beyond the rules, rugby runs on respect — the referee is "Sir," opponents are shaken hands with, and both teams share a meal after. Hard between the whistles, brothers after.
