Wharton Journal

Issue date: 10/2/06 Section: Insider

If you grew up in the United States, the laws (not "rules") of rugby are probably unfamiliar to you. Since the majority of each incoming class of Wharthogs is in this position, and generally has about the same understanding of rugby as they do of the rules of badminton, we have gotten pretty good at explaining the basics. So, in preparation for your tailgate at Hogfest this weekend, we present to you: The Condensed Wharthog Guide to Rugby.

The Basics

Unlike football, there are no forward passes in rugby. Rather, the ball must be passed backwards and either run or kicked forward. When tackled, a runner must immediately release the ball - this is generally a problem for many beginning Wharthogs, who tend to hold onto the ball like an advance copy of the MGEC midterm. Play is continuous (like soccer and unlike football). A scrum restarts play after after a forward pass or a forward drop of the ball (also known for some reason as a "knock on"). A lineout restarts play after the ball travels into "touch" (what we Americans call out of bounds).

At the risk of stating the obvious (which is generally the modus operandi of most Wharton students in Competitive Strategy class), the point of the game is to score more points than the opposing team. Points are scored through either a "try" (which is analogous to a touchdown in football) or a penalty or drop goal kick (same idea as a field goal in football). A try is worth 5 points, the extra kick after a try is worth 2 points (like the PAT in football), and a drop goal kick or penalty kick is worth 3 points. Unlike football, for a try to be awarded, the ball must actually be touched down (downward pressure must be applied) to the ground in the "in-goal area" (the end zone).

The playing field for rugby is called a pitch. It is 100 meters long by 69 meters wide (for those of you unfamiliar with the foreign measurement concept of a "meter," ask a European near you. If you can't find a European, wait until midnight and go to Byblos in Center City). The two in-goal areas are generally 10 to 22 meters deep with the "try line" marking the entrance from the field of play. The goal posts are located on the try line and are 5.6 meters apart with a crossbar set at 3 meters.

The Players

Rugby teams are fifteen-a-side. The first 8 players are referred to as "forwards" and the next 7 are referred to as "backs." Interestingly, sometimes a player can be an exceptional forward, but still play in the backs. This was true of former Co-Captain Jim Vesterman (WG '06). The responsibility of the forwards is to set and play the scrums and lineouts, tackle, and clear the ball after their teammates have been tackled. Essentially, forwards do most of the dirty work on the rugby field. The responsibility of the backs is to run around very fast and yell at the forwards.

In general, it is the backs that bask in the glory and adulation of the rugby throngs, though, as an old rugby adage goes, "the forwards decide who wins the game, the backs decide by how much." Generally, the forwards are bigger and tougher, whereas the backs are quicker and prettier. For forwards, think Jon Samuels (WG '08), Lachlan McLean (WG '07), or Anthony Sawtell (WG '08). For backs, think Tim Bannister (WG '07), Joe Newell (WG '07), Brendan Dillon (WG '08), or Andy Cohen (WG '08).

Rucks and Mauls

This is a very important part of the game. Mauls are formed when the ball is held up off the ground by a player while members of the rest of his team bind together to him, while the opposing team attempts to stop their forward progress. Certain rugby nations (like England) have utilized the maul effectively to gain yards (or meters, as the case may be) while tiring out their opponents. Have you ever tried to push around a 220 pound forward? It's tiring, believe us.

If the ball has gone to ground (like after a player is tackled), a ruck is formed once more than two players have bound together over the ball. Unlike football, when a player is tackled, he must release the ball. In essence, the ball is now "loose" and the other team can try to take possession. The only thing stopping the team is the supporting players on the tackled player's team, who form a human shield over the ball until their team can regain the free ball. This "human shield" generally involves quite a bit of jostling and contact, not unlike getting a cup of coffee at Au Bon Pain at 8:57am on a weekday. It is generally the responsibility of the forwards to set rucks and mauls. While they do this, the backs stand around yelling.

The Important Bit

Confused yet? Well, here is the most important part and something rugby shares in common with its American cousin, football. Both games are best enjoyed with friends and a few cold drinks. So bring a friend or two and a beer or seven out to the pitch this weekend and watch the Wharthogs take on their East Coast rivals. When we're winning, yell things like "Lovely!" or "Smashing!" or "For sure, for sure, for sure" if Joe Newell (WG '07) has the ball and, if we're not winning, boo the other team relentlessly until they cry like little babies. Just some good clean fun...

Love,

The Hogs

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