The laws of tackling
A guide to the laws governing tackling in rugby union.

Knock-ons and forward passes
A guide to the laws governing knock-ons and forward passes in rugby union.

The 22-metre drop-out
A guide to the laws governing the 22-metre drop-out in rugby union.

The five-metre scrum
A guide to the laws governing the five-metre scrum in rugby union.

What is a line-out?
A guide to the laws governing the line-out in rugby union.

The obstruction law explained
A guide to the laws governing obstruction in rugby union.

When the sin-bin calls
A guide to the sin-bin in rugby union.

Calling a 'mark'
A guide to the laws governing the mark in rugby union.

Rugby union positions guide
Former players explain the 15 positions on the rugby pitch

Two points for a conversion
A conversion attempt comes after a try is scored.

Three points for a penalty
A penalty kick is awarded after the opposition have committed an offence.

Three points for a drop-goal
A drop goal can be a spectacular way to win a game.

Five points for a try
A try is the most exciting way of scoring in rugby union.

Full-back
Former Scotland star Gavin Hastings explains the skills of the number 15.

Wing
Former Wales international Ieuan Evans explains the skills of the wing.

Outside centre
Jeremy Guscott explains the skills of the outside centre

Inside centre
Jeremy Guscott explains the skills of the inside centre

Fly-half
Former Wales international Jonathan Davies on the skills of the fly-half.

Scrum-half
Former England scrum-half Matt Dawson explains the role of the scrum-half.

Prop
Former England front-row Jason Leonard explains the skills of the props

Hooker
Former Ireland and Lions star Keith Wood on the skills of the hooker.

Second row (4)
Martin Bayfield explains the skills of the number four.

Second row (5)
Martin Bayfield explains the skills of the number five.

Blind-side flanker
Former All Blacks loose forward Zinzan Brooke explains the role of the loose forward.

Open-side flanker
Former All Blacks loose forward Zinzan Brooke explains the role of the number seven.

Number 8
Former New Zealand loose forward Zinzan Brooke explains the skills of the nu,ber 8.

Substitutes

Forming a scrum
Find out all the rules about who makes up the scrum.

Feeding the scrum
Find out about the rules on feeding the ball into the scrum.

Hooking the ball
Find out about the role of a hooker in the scrum.

When is a scrum ended?
The rules for when a scrum finishes and needs to be retaken.

Rugby union equipment guide
Everything you need to know about what is needed for rugby

Gum shield
The most important piece of equipment a rugby player should own.

Head protection
Players have always used some form of head protection over the years.

Shirt
Rugby shirts need to be able to take plenty of tugging and pulling.

Shorts
Rugby shorts are traditionally made from cotton.

Ball
A good quality rugby ball will help you improve your handling.

Boots
Traditional rugby boots have a high cut designed to give extra support to the ankle.

Upper body protection
Upper body protection has been used in rugby for over 20 years.