A game of rugby league consists of two halves of 40 minutes, with injury time added on at the end of each half. Internationally the pinnacle of the sport lies in the Rugby World Cup. Rugby, football game played with an oval ball by two teams of 15 players (in rugby union play) or 13 players (in rugby league play). The field typically includes lines marking each 10-metre interval, giving the field an appearance similar to a gridiron football field. Rugby gear is shirt, shorts, underwear, socks and boots! But rugby league is slightly more complicated than this. It’s a game played by powerful athletes who experience over 300 collisions during 80 minutes of play. The league ball is essentially the same as the union ball. Your team-mates will not be happy if you are caught offside at a kick in a promising position. 4 Clothing and footwear for playing. Rugby league is a fast, physical and hugely enjoyable sport to play. TIME. Each half begins with a kick-off. - talk to current players for advice on kit. Photo credit: M+MD Rugby is one of the most physical of sports. One of the simple rules - maximum of 15 players in a team, with up to 7 substitutes allowed. Rugby goals consist of 15 m high goal posts with a crossbar 3m above the ground. But why are there two codes of rugby to begin with, which is more popular, which requires more speed, skill … The Rules of Rugby League. Some are very simple, but others can be complicated. The Referee makes the important decisions and here are some basic important rules in a game of Rugby League… A player must not deliberately pass the ball forward to another team member. Both rugby union and rugby league have their origins in the style of football played at Rugby School in England. In rugby – depending on rugby union or rugby league rules – each team has 13/15 players, and 10/7 substitutes can come on the pitch. But like all sports, there are rules and laws which every player - from schoolboy to international level - must follow. * The goals. Rugby League has lots of important rules determining if the ball gets passed to the opposing team. Some minimal padding is allowed. In between the two halves, there is a 10-minute break after which both teams change ends and attack the half they were defending. The distance between the posts is 7,32 m (8 yds) and the distance from the lower edge of the crossbar to the ground is 2,44 m (8 ft). Football goals have a net. The rugby league rules call for a similarly sized field, though the goal posts are slightly closer (5.5 metres [18 feet]). Rugby Union vs Rugby League: Rules, Money, History, Differences The history of rugby union vs rugby league is a long and complex one. It’s a game that takes your breath away – literally! Return to Select a topic. Rugby Rules. Rugby League is fast, exciting and spectacular.