Full-Length Version — For the New Fan, Player, or Curious Parent
Whether you’ve never seen a rugby ball or you’ve just heard us shouting “Crouch, bind, set!” across the park, this guide is for you. With the Cascade Classic coming up and our Touch Rugby series in full swing, now’s the perfect time to understand what the sport is all about — and how you can get involved.
🧠 The Basics: What is Rugby?
Rugby is a fast-paced team sport played with an oval-shaped ball. Think of it as football’s cousin — but with fewer stoppages, no helmets, and a whole lot more running. It’s played on a field about the size of a soccer pitch, and features 15 players per team (in most formats).
You’ll see passing (only backwards or sideways), kicking, tackling, and non-stop action — especially when it comes to turnovers, lineouts, scrums, and breakaway runs.
🔢 How Do You Score?
Try (5 points): Touch the ball down in the opponent’s in-goal area (similar to an end zone).
Conversion Kick (2 points): After a try, kick the ball through the uprights. Taken from a position in a straight line back from where the ball was touched down
Penalty Kick (3 points): Awarded after certain infractions. Taken from the place the penalty was awarded
Drop Goal (3 points): Kicked through the posts during open play.
🧍♂️ Positions Explained
Rugby is divided into two groups of players:
Forwards (Numbers 1–8): These are your strong, gritty players who love scrums, lineouts, and rucks. Think of them as the engine room.
Backs (Numbers 9–15): Speedy, elusive, and tactical — they’re responsible for breaking open defenses and scoring tries.
👀 What to Watch For As a Fan
Scrum: When play resets after a minor infringement. Eight players (the forwards) from each team bind together and push for possession.
Ruck: When players contest the ball on the ground after a tackle.
Lineout: Used to restart play when the ball goes out of bounds. Players (the forwards) lift teammates to catch the throw-in.
Big Runs & Breaks: Keep your eyes on #11–15 — they’re usually the ones flying down the sideline.
Rugby is continuous — so action happens fast. But don’t worry, the crowd is usually full of friendly fans happy to explain what just happened.
Scrum
Ruck
Lineout
🌟 Variations of Rugby
There’s a style of rugby for everyone:
15s: The traditional, full-format game.
7s: Faster, shorter, Olympic-style rugby with 7 players per side.
Touch Rugby: No tackling, just tags or touches — fun, fast, and beginner-friendly.
📍 Bend Rugby’s Touch Rugby Series is open to everyone — no experience required. It’s perfect for new players, parents, or anyone who wants to get moving, meet people, and enjoy some music and laughs on a summer evening.
👨👩👧👦 Rugby in Bend
Rugby is alive and thriving in Central Oregon.
Youth & High School Programs: Through our Bend Blues program
College: Central Oregon Community College
Off-Season Touch: Fun, fitness, and community vibes
Our players and coaches are passionate about sharing the game. Stop by a session, say hi at the burger shack during the Classic, or message us if you’re curious. Whether you’re 8 or 58, there’s a place for you in rugby.
📣 Call to Action
Want to try rugby? Or just watch some hard-hitting, fast-paced action this summer?
🗓️ Come to the Cascade Classic
📍 Pine Nursery Park — A full day of rugby, food trucks, and family fun.
👟 Join our Touch Rugby Series
🎟️ More info can be found on our socials
No experience necessary. Just show up — or reach out.
Rugby’s for everyone. Especially in Bend.