Rugby Union - a game of 15 on field players. They use an oval shaped ball which is throw backwards to a team member to drive it forward over the oppositions try line.

Rugby League - a game of 13 on field players.  They again use an oval shaped ball and pass backwards to a team member to drive the ball over the opposites try line.

Re-Start - This is when the game re-starts after a try and goal attempt or half time.  The ball must travel at least 10 meters into the opposites half.

Scrum - this is used by the referee when an accidental infringement has occurred, such as a knock on or the ball has been passed forwards.

The scrum is formed with the front 8 players binding themselves together.  They then engage with the oppositions scrum.  The scrum half of the team that did not infringe throws the ball from his loose propheads side of the scrum into the tunnel.  The Hookers compete for possession of the ball by hooking the ball with their feet.  All this is done while the two teams push for the advantage and possession of the ball easier.

The ball is normally passed through the scrum to the back of the pack where the No.8 or the scrum half is waiting to pass the ball out to the backs or run the ball at the opposing team.

Into Touch - When the ball goes out of the playing area.  This is either on its own or if a player holding the ball steps over the touchline from the pitch.

Line Out -  This is used when the ball goes into touch,  the referee will use a line out at the point where the ball crossed the touchline.  The forwards from each team line up opposite each other approximately 1 meter apart, betweem 5mtr and 15mtr from the touchline.  The ball is thrown down the centre of the line out a forward from the non infringing team.  Both teams compete for the ball, however the team throwing in have the advantage of how far into the line out the ball will be thrown and can move accordingly.  The players can be lifted to intercept the ball by their teammates

Tackling - Players tackle their opposition to gain possession of the ball - to turn them over - and to stop them gaining ground in the opposition half. The player must bring the opposition player to ground for it to be called a tackle.  The tackled player must release the ball by passing it to a team mate or by placing it on the ground.  The tackler must release him and move away allowing the ball to become available or for a ruck to form.

If the tackled player is not grounded then it is not a tackle and a maul may form.

A player making a tackle must abide by the laws of tackling and not tackle a player above the shoulder, he must also attempt to wrap his arms around his opponent to complete the tackle.

Ruck - A contest for possession. This could be called an unofficial scrum as players must remain standing but would interlock with the opposition and fight for possession of the ball with their feet. This normally starts from a tackled player placing in the ball for collection by a team member and the opposition binding onto the collection player. More players can join the Ruck must do so from the last or back foot of their side.

Most infringements occur during a ruck and lead to penalties.  You may hear "hands in the ruck", where players may which to speed up or slow down the pace of the game.

The offside rule is also very important in the ruck or maul process.

Maul

Try - When the ball is placed over the goal line of the opposition.  The ball or the knee of the player holding the ball must touch the ground behind the goal line for the Try to be given.
If a ball carrier is held by an opposition player but still has forward momentum he may continue to slide over the goal-line and score a Try. A Try is worth 5 points.

Interesting Fact - The Try gained it's name from the fact that it only gave the scored a "try" at scoring a goal, no points where given for a Try until 1889 when the Scotland v England game ended 0 - 0

Goal-Conversion - After the try has been scored, the scoring team have an attempt at goal.  This is normally known as a Conversion.  The goal attempt is taken from anywhere on the field in-line with the point that the ball touch over the goal line for the try. The ball must pass between the two uprights of the goal and over the cross bar to be scored.  A Conversion is worth an additional 2 points to the team scoring the try.

Goal - Drop & Penalty Goals- Worth 3 points

Knock On