Rugby Try: How Scoring Works and Why It Matters

When talking about Rugby Try, the most valuable way to score points in rugby, achieved by grounding the ball in the opponent’s in‑goal area. Also known as a try, it adds five points in union and four in league, and it’s the foundation of every attacking plan. Understanding a try helps you see why teams focus on territory, support play, and set‑piece mastery.

The sport that makes a try possible is Rugby, a full‑contact game split into Union and League codes with distinct rules and cultures. In Union, a try is followed by a conversion kick; in League, the conversion is optional but still counts. Both codes share the same core idea: the ball must be pressed down with downward pressure while the player is in contact with the ground inside the try zone. That simple action triggers a cascade of tactics, from rolling mauls to swift counter‑attacks.

One of the most overlooked ways a try is set up is through a lineout, a restart where players lift teammates to catch the ball thrown from the touchline. A clean lineout gives the attacking side a fresh platform near the opponent’s try line, allowing a quick pick‑and‑go or a driving maul that forces the defense to collapse. Teams that master lineout timing often see a higher try conversion rate because they can breach the defensive line before it regroups.

Another piece of the puzzle is the distinction between Rugby Union, the 15‑a‑side code known for scrums, rucks, and intricate kicking strategies and Rugby League, the 13‑a‑side version that emphasizes faster play‑the‑ball and fewer set‑pieces. Union’s emphasis on contestable possession means a try often follows a structured phase with multiple phases of play. League’s six‑tackle rule pushes teams to create a try within a limited number of possessions, encouraging more expansive, ball‑in‑hand runs. Both versions, however, treat the try as the ultimate reward for breaking defensive structures.

Historical context adds depth to the modern try. The first documented try in the 19th‑century English schools was simply a means to “try” for a goal, hence the name. Over time, the value of a try grew, reflecting the sport’s shift from goal‑kicking dominance to open‑play excitement. Knowing this evolution explains why today’s fans celebrate a try with such intensity—it represents the sport’s heart and the moment when skill, strategy, and physicality converge.

For players looking to increase their try‑scoring chances, three practical tips help: first, always aim to be the support runner; being in the right place when the ball is grounded can turn a simple tackle into a scoring opportunity. Second, practice the specifics of lineout jumping and lifting—perfect timing can give you an extra meter of space right inside the try zone. Third, study defensive patterns in both Union and League; spotting when a defense is stretched or when a ruck is slow to form opens up gaps that lead directly to a try.

Below you’ll find a curated list of articles that dive deeper into each of these areas—history, lineout tactics, code differences, and real‑world examples. Whether you’re a newcomer trying to understand the basics or a seasoned player looking for advanced insights, the collection below will give you the tools to appreciate and execute more tries on the field.