How Many Types of Rugby Are There?

Rugby is one of the most exciting and physically demanding sports in the world. Over the years, it has evolved into several variations, each with its own unique rules, playing styles, and global following.

So, how many types of rugby are there? The short answer is at least six officially recognized formats, with two main codes—Rugby Union and Rugby League—dominating the sport. But there are also modified versions of rugby that cater to different skill levels, play styles, and accessibility.

Let’s break down the different types of rugby, their rules, and how they differ from one another.

1. Rugby Union – The Traditional Form

What is Rugby Union?

Rugby Union is the most widely played version of rugby and is governed by World Rugby. It is the format seen in major tournaments like the Rugby World Cup, Six Nations, and The Rugby Championship.

Key Features of Rugby Union:

• Played with 15 players per team.
• The game lasts 80 minutes (two halves of 40 minutes).
• Players can only pass the ball backward but can kick it forward.
• The game features scrums, lineouts, and rucks as part of open play.
• Scoring: Tries (5 points), Conversions (2 points), Penalty Goals (3 points), Drop Goals (3 points).

Rugby Union is considered more strategic and endurance-based than other versions of rugby due to its complex rules and longer phases of play.

2. Rugby League – The Faster Alternative

What is Rugby League?

Rugby League is a faster-paced, more attack-focused version of rugby, governed by the International Rugby League (IRL). It is more popular in Australia, England, and New Zealand.

Key Features of Rugby League:

• Played with 13 players per team instead of 15.
• Game duration is 80 minutes, split into two 40-minute halves.
• Features 6-tackle sets (similar to downs in American football).
• No lineouts; instead, play resumes with a handed restart.
• The game is generally faster, with fewer stoppages.

Rugby League is known for its explosive speed and power, making it an attractive alternative for fans who enjoy continuous action and fewer set pieces.

3. Rugby Sevens – The Olympic Format

What is Rugby Sevens?

Rugby Sevens is a fast-paced, shorter format of Rugby Union played on a full-sized pitch but with only seven players per team. It has gained worldwide popularity, especially after being included in the Olympic Games.

Key Features of Rugby Sevens:

• 7 players per team instead of 15.
• Games last only 14 minutes (two 7-minute halves).
• Matches are played at high intensity, requiring extreme speed and agility.
• The World Rugby Sevens Series is one of the most exciting international rugby competitions.

Rugby Sevens is ideal for casual fans because of its quick matches and high-scoring action.

4. Rugby 10s – The Hybrid Version

What is Rugby 10s?

Rugby 10s (or Ten-a-side Rugby) is a mix between Rugby Sevens and Rugby Union, offering a balance between speed and structure.

Key Features of Rugby 10s:

• 10 players per team instead of 15.
• Matches last 20 minutes (two 10-minute halves).
• Played on a full-sized field, allowing for more space and faster play.
• Still features scrums and lineouts, but fewer players lead to more open play.

While not as mainstream as Sevens or Union, Rugby 10s has seen growth in Asia and the Pacific Islands as an alternative format.

5. Touch Rugby – No Contact, Just Skill

What is Touch Rugby?

Touch Rugby is a non-contact version of rugby, making it an ideal sport for casual players, children, and mixed-gender teams.

Key Features of Touch Rugby:

• No tackling or scrums—players must “touch” opponents to stop play.
• Usually played with 6 players per team.
• The game is fast-paced, emphasizing speed, passing, and agility.
• Popular in schools and social leagues worldwide.

Organizations like Touch Rugby Australia promote touch rugby as an accessible, fun, and social version of rugby.

6. Wheelchair Rugby – The Inclusive Sport

What is Wheelchair Rugby?

Wheelchair Rugby, also known as “Murderball”, is a high-impact, mixed-gender Paralympic sport that combines elements of rugby, basketball, and handball.

Key Features of Wheelchair Rugby:

• Played on an indoor basketball court.
• Teams have four players on the court at a time.
• The aim is to carry the ball over the opponent’s goal line while avoiding defenders.
• Contact between wheelchairs is allowed, making it one of the most intense Paralympic sports.

Governed by World Wheelchair Rugby, it has grown in popularity, especially after its inclusion in the Paralympic Games.

Which Type of Rugby is the Most Popular?

The most widely played and watched form of rugby remains Rugby Union, especially in nations like New Zealand, England, South Africa, and France.

However, Rugby League dominates in Australia and Northern England, while Rugby Sevens has exploded in popularity due to its Olympic exposure.

Meanwhile, Touch Rugby is the most accessible form of rugby worldwide, as it allows people of all ages and skill levels to play without the physical risks of contact sports.

Comparison Table: Different Types of Rugby

External High Authority Links

For more information on different types of rugby, visit:

• World Rugby – The official governing body of Rugby Union and Rugby Sevens.
• International Rugby League – The official site for Rugby League.
• Touch Rugby Australia – A leader in Touch Rugby development.
• Paralympic Wheelchair Rugby – The official website for Wheelchair Rugby.

Call to Action

Which type of rugby do you enjoy the most? Do you prefer the tactical depth of Rugby Union, the fast pace of Rugby Sevens, or the inclusivity of Touch Rugby?

Let us know in the comments! And if you found this article helpful, share it with your rugby-loving friends!

See Also: What is 13 in Rugby League?