Rugby For Dummies

Rugby basics for fans, players, and parents who are new to the game, plus all the latest developments for those returning to the sport

Rugby For Dummies, Fourth Edition teaches you the essential elements of the fast-growing sport of rugby, so you can follow all the action—and get ready for the U.S.-hosted 2031 and 2033 Rugby World Cups. This helpful Dummies guide also gives you the information that you need to start playing or coaching rugby. You’ll get clear explanations of the rules, insight into strategy and tactics, and info on all the most popular tournaments around the globe. Learn about the rugby greats of yesterday, plus get updates on the most significant changes at every level, from high school to international level. This new edition covers the evolution of the laws that govern play and looks at how the women’s game and the sevens version of the sport have grown.

• Learn how rugby is played, including necessary skills and strategies for winning
• Take a look at the most entertaining North American and international rugby competitions
• Get tips for joining a rugby team or becoming a rugby coach
• Familiarize yourself with the history of previous World Cups in time for the next one

This is the perfect Dummies guide for anyone who wants to better understand all aspects of the game of rugby.

Mathew Brown is one of America’s most prolific rugby writer/producers. He’s written for FOX, MediaZone Rugby, and The Rugby Channel and has produced hundreds of live rugby matches, tests, and shows for broadcast TV and streaming.

Patrick Guthrie is a leader in the development of rugby competitions and broadcast opportunities across the Americas. He was involved in the broadcast of the Epson Cup, Pacific Rim, the Women’s Super Series, the Americas Rugby Championship, and more.

Introduction 1

Part 1: Rugby: Roots, Boots, and All 5

Chapter 1: Rugby’s Beginnings, Allure, and a Basic Overview 7

Chapter 2: The Basics 17

Chapter 3: Grab Your Rugby Gear 31

Part 2: Getting Down and Dirty 41

Chapter 4: Location, Location, Location: Positions on the Pitch 43

Chapter 5: Laying Down the Laws 61

Chapter 6: Understanding the Fundamentals 71

Chapter 7: Playing the Game 91

Chapter 8: The Art of Scrummaging 107

Chapter 9: Lineouts: Restarting from Touch 119

Chapter 10: Individual Skills 135

Chapter 11: Tactics and Teamwork 157

Part 3: Welcome to the Oval Planet 175

Chapter 12: The World Cup 177

Chapter 13: The International Calendar 195

Chapter 14: North American Rugby 209

Chapter 15: Amateur Rugby in North America 225

Chapter 16: Collegiate, High School, and Youth Rugby in North America 233

Part 4: Coaching and Refereeing 243

Chapter 17: Coaching 245

Chapter 18: Coaching Certification and Advancement 257

Chapter 19: Managing the Game: The Referee 265

Part 5: Following the Game: The Informed Fan 273

Chapter 20: Get Your Game: Rugby on TV 275

Chapter 21: Spectating and Staying in Touch with Rugby News 283

Part 6: The Part of Tens 295

Chapter 22: The Ten (or So) Greatest North American Men 297

Chapter 23: The Ten (or So) Greatest North American Women 305

Chapter 24: The Ten Best Rugby Moments 311

Glossary 319

Index 327

The New copy of this book will include any supplemental materials advertised. Please check the title of the book to determine if it should include any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

The Used, Rental and eBook copies of this book are not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included. This is true even if the title states it includes any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.