Duration:
A game of rugby consists of two halves of 40 minutes with injury time added on at the end of each half. This is not as long as you might expect because physiotherapists are often allowed onto the pitch while play continues.
Players:
Each side consists of 15 players, divided into eight forwards and seven backs. A total of seven substitutes are allowed for international matches. (There are also seven and 10-man versions of rugby union, played almost exclusively at tournaments.)
Officials:
There is one referee assisted by two touch judges, who mark where the ball goes out of play, adjudge kicks at goal and inform the referee of foul play.
A fourth official controls replacements and substitutes. A video referee has also recently been introduced to the tournament, after a successful trial in the southern hemisphere.
