Rugby union rules: Scoring, positions, scrums, penalties and more explained

JUMP TO:How to score points in rugby unionThe different player positionsBackwards-passing ruleScrums, rucks and maulsPenaltiesLineouts The 2026 Men's Six Nations Championship gets underway on February 5 with a huge clash between France and Ireland in Paris. The tournament is the premier international competition between Northern Hemisphere nations and takes place annually. It's definitely an event for the diehards along with casual and new fans. even through the latter will have plenty of questions. For instance, what on earth are scrums, lineouts, rucks and mauls? Fear not. The Sporting News is here to walk you through the basics of rugby union so you can sit back and enjoy the action....