Rugby guide
Rugby union vs sevens vs league
Rugby union has fifteen players per side, sevens has seven with very short matches, and rugby league is a separate sport with thirteen players per side and a limited number of tackles. Most clubs that say just "rugby" mean union, but ask which version your child will play.
The short answer
Rugby union, rugby sevens and rugby league are three versions of the same family of games. Union has fifteen players per side and is what most people mean by "rugby." Sevens uses mostly the same laws with seven players per side and very short matches. League is a separate sport with thirteen players per side in the standard game, a limited number of tackles before the ball changes hands, and its own scoring. If your child's club says "rugby," it almost always means union, but ask.
The three games at a glance
| Union | Sevens | League | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Players per side (standard) | 15 | 7 | 13 |
| Match length | Longest of the three | Very short, often several matches per day | Long, but shorter than union in the standard game |
| Try is worth | 5 points | 5 points | 4 points |
| After a tackle | Ruck or maul contest for the ball | Ruck or maul, but fewer players | Play-the-ball restart, then a count of tackles |
| Scrums and lineouts | Yes, contested in standard rules | Yes, but smaller scrums | Scrums are used, but lineouts are not |
Scoring values beyond tries differ between the games and between rule sets, so we are not listing them all here. For union scoring, see rugby rules for beginners.
Rugby union in more detail
Union is the version with the most variety in the game: eight forwards compete in scrums and lineouts, rucks and mauls decide who wins the ball after a tackle, and kicking plays a big role. It tends to suit players who like having a specific role. See rugby positions explained for how the fifteen are split between forwards and backs.
Rugby sevens in more detail
Sevens is fast and open. With only seven players per side, there is a lot of space, so players need to run, pass and tackle well in every position. Matches are short, and tournaments often play several in one day, which makes sevens popular at youth festivals and for summer programs. Conversions in sevens must be taken as a drop kick, and a conversion has to be attempted quickly. Sevens is often a good way to get lots of touches on the ball.
Rugby league in more detail
League is its own sport. After a tackle, there is no ruck. The tackled player gets back to their feet and plays the ball back to a teammate with their foot, and the defense must retreat a set distance. A team may carry the ball for a limited number of tackles, usually six, before the ball is handed over. League tends to be popular in specific regions, so availability depends on where you live.
How to choose for your child
- Start with what is nearby. The best version is usually the one with a welcoming club and trained coaches close to home.
- Consider personality. A child who likes specialized roles may enjoy union. A child who wants constant action and space may enjoy sevens.
- Ask about seasons. Many clubs play union in one season and sevens in another.
- Skills transfer. Passing, catching, running lines, support play and tackling carry across all three games.
Common questions and mix-ups
- Mixing up league and union scoring. A try is worth five points in union and four in league in standard rules.
- Expecting a lineout in league. League has no lineouts.
- Thinking sevens is only for experienced players. It is often used to introduce beginners.
What to ask your club
- Which version of rugby do you play at my child's age group?
- Is there a sevens or tag option for beginners?
- How many players are on the field in a youth match?
- When does contact begin?
If contact is the question, see tag rugby vs contact rugby to compare ways to start.
Skills that carry across all three
Whichever version your child starts with, the core skills are shared: catching and passing under pressure, running straight and into space, supporting the ball carrier, and tackling safely. A player who learns sevens will find union easier, and a union player will find sevens familiar. Players who try more than one version often become more complete athletes because each one rewards a slightly different habit.
Availability depends on where you live
In some regions union dominates and league is rare, and in others the opposite is true. Sevens is often played as a seasonal or festival format. The best way to find out what is on offer is to ask local clubs, schools and community programs which versions they run and for which ages. Do not worry if the options look unfamiliar. Most coaches are happy to explain.
Words that differ between the games
Some words sound the same but mean different things. A "scrum" in union is a heavy contest for the ball, while in league it is a restart with less contest. A "tackle count" matters in league and not in union. When you read about rugby online, check which version the writer is describing, because advice for one can be wrong for another.
Planning your first season
Once you know which version your club plays, learn the basics of that version only. Trying to learn all three at once is confusing. If your club plays union, start with the rules and the positions. If it plays sevens, focus on the open-space skills of passing, running lines and tackling one-on-one. If it plays league, ask the club to explain the tackle count and the play-the-ball, since those are the most distinctive parts. Whichever you choose, the friendships and fitness are the same.
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Sources and further reading
- rugby summary Encyclopaedia Britannica
- Seven-a-side rugby Encyclopaedia Britannica
- Rugby Football League Encyclopaedia Britannica
- Rugby's Laws: an evolution World Rugby
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between rugby union and rugby league?
They are separate sports. In standard rules, union has fifteen players per side with rucks, mauls and lineouts, while league has thirteen with a limited number of tackles and no lineouts.
How many players are on a rugby sevens team?
Seven on the field per side, which is why it is called sevens.
Is rugby sevens easier for beginners?
Many programs use sevens or small-sided games to introduce beginners because there is more space and more touches on the ball.
Is a try worth the same in union and league?
Not in standard rules. A try is worth five points in union and four in league.
Which version of rugby should my child start with?
Start with whichever has a welcoming club and trained coaches nearby. Most skills carry across all three.