Rugby X

In this article, we are going to delve into the fascinating world of Rugby X. It is a topic that has generated great interest in contemporary society, sparking debates, conflicting opinions and endless reflections. Along these lines, we propose to explore the various facets that Rugby X offers us, from its origins to its impact today. From its influence on popular culture to its relevance in more specific areas, Rugby X has managed to capture the attention of a wide spectrum of the population. Without a doubt, this is a topic that does not leave anyone indifferent, and that deserves to be analyzed in depth to understand its true scope.

Rugby X
Highest governing bodyWorld Rugby
NicknamesX, Rugby X
Characteristics
ContactFull Contact
Team membersfive
Mixed-sexSeparate competitions
TypeTeam sport, indoor, variant of rugby union

Rugby X is a variant of rugby union, or more precisely rugby sevens, in which teams are made up of five players, typically three forwards and two backs. Matches are much shorter, usually played for ten minutes, without any half-time break.

The game was invented by Ben Ryan as variant of rugby sevens with more speed and action, and was first launched on 29 October 2019 as a six teams international tournament in The O2 Arena, London.

The rules (law variations) are similar to rugby sevens and are approved by World Rugby.

Rules

The game is intended as a fast-paced version of rugby sevens, but contrary to this seven-a-side version, its rules vastly diverge from the rugby union classic rules:

  • The pitch is half-sized compared to rugby sevens, with 55m x 32m dimensions plus 5m run offs.
  • There are five players per side plus seven rolling substitutes that are allowed to come in at breaks in play following tries.
  • The only score is the try; there are no conversions, drop goals or penalties. Tries are worth 5 points unless touched down within the "max zone", a 15-m wide space in the middle of the in-goal area. Tries in that area are worth 7 points.
  • Kick-offs are replaced by tap starts on the scored-upon team's 5m line, with the opposing team standing 10m back.
  • Chip kicks allowed but not box kicks, up and unders or any kick over 10m in height (referee is supposed to receive real time notification using ball tracking technology)
  • Lineouts are replaced by quick throws made by a substitute.
  • Scrums consist of three players per team with no pushing. Hooking the ball is allowed.
  • Drawn matches are settled by a ‘one on one’ involving one defender on 5m line and one attacker 30m from goal with a ball. The attacker has 10 seconds to score. It is played as per a sudden death penalty shoot out – if Team A scores, Team B must then score or Team A wins the match.

History

The project was initially launched by Ben Ryan, former Olympic gold medalist Fiji's coach, with the cooperation of both World Rugby and RFU; the first tournament being held in London, England.

Tournaments

References

  1. ^ a b "RugbyX rules". RugbyX. Retrieved 2019-12-07.
  2. ^ Willacy, Gavin (25 October 2019). "Ben Ryan on Rugby X: 'Five-a-side, indoors, no goal-kicking, no lineouts'". The Guardian.

External links