rugby 101
New to rugby? Here's everything you need to know — from scoring and definitions to a full rundown of the Women’s Rugby World Cup, we’ve got you covered.
SCORING
Try (5 points) - Touch the ball down in the opponent's end of the pitch
Conversion (2 points) - After each try, kick the ball through the posts
Penalty goal (3 points) - A kick through the posts due to an opponent’s foul
Drop goal (3 points) - Dropping the ball and kicking it through posts during live play
ㅤ
The catch? Players can only pass the ball backward or sideways, never forward.
rules & terms
RULES & TERMS
Beyond scoring, here are other essential rules that keep the game flowing:ㅤ
ㅤ
🏉 Tackles must be below the shoulders
🏉 Tackled players must release the ball immediately
🏉 There are no limits on how long you can hold possession
🏉 Play restarts through scrums, lineouts, and rucks
ㅤ
Here are some definitions you might need to know:
Scrum: A way to restart play after a stoppage caused by a minor infringement
Ruck: After a tackle, players crowd over the ball on the ground and push each other to win it
Lineout: When the ball goes out of bounds and players from both teams line up to catch it as it is thrown back in
ㅤ
Need a video explainer instead of text? Click HERE.
RUGBY WORLD CUP 2025: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE 🏉
The Rugby World Cup returns to England this summer, bringing together 16 national squads in the ultimate test of women’s rugby supremacy. From August 22 to September 27, witness the world's best rugby union teams battle across eight English stadiums.
HOW IT WORKS 🏆
The tournament follows a pool-to-knockout format. First, teams compete in four pools (A-D) with four teams each. Every team plays the others in their pool once. The top two teams from each pool advance to the knockout rounds, where it's sudden death all the way to the final.
ㅤ
Pool A: England (hosts), Australia, USA, Samoa
Pool B: Canada, Scotland, Wales, Fiji
Pool C: New Zealand, Ireland, Japan, Spain
Pool D: France, Italy, South Africa, Brazil
WHERE TO WATCH 📺
Catch every moment of rugby's biggest tournament on CBS Sports Network and Paramount+.
ㅤ
WHO TO WATCH 👀
With powerhouse nations ready to stake their claim, underdogs looking to shake up the order, and world-class players stepping into the spotlight, this tournament promises fireworks. Let’s break down the teams and players you’ll want to keep an eye on. ⬇️
NEW ZEALAND 🇳🇿
The Black Ferns are synonymous with Women’s Rugby World Cup success, with six titles under their belt. They’ve also beaten England in five of the past six finals, proving time and again they know how to deliver when it matters. Winners in 2017 and 2022, New Zealand may not be in their most dominant era, but history shows they can never be written off.
ㅤ
Much of their hope rests on Ruahei Demant, the co-captain and 2022 World Rugby Player of the Year. Demant led the Black Ferns to an unbeaten run at the last World Cup and continues to thrive at both fly-half and inside centre. Her adaptability, leadership, and attack are exactly what New Zealand needs.
ENGLAND 🏴
England enters the tournament with momentum and the home-pitch advantage. The Red Roses have previously lifted the trophy in 1994 and 2014, and they’re hungry for another. Their recent dominance speaks volumes: 26 consecutive test match wins, plus sweeping victories in the Women’s Six Nations and WXV1 titles in 2023, 2024, and 2025. England has been unstoppable, and they’re heading into this tournament as many people’s favorites.
ㅤ
That dominance is anchored by captain Zoe Aldcroft, who embodies consistency and leadership. She may not be flashy, but her work rate, stealing lineouts, making tackles, and carrying with purpose, sets the tone for the whole squad. In contrast, Ellie Kildunne provides the fireworks. One of the most exciting backs in world rugby, her blistering pace and instinct for space turn England’s forward dominance into tries.
NEW ZEALAND 🇳🇿
The Black Ferns are synonymous with Women’s Rugby World Cup success, with six titles under their belt. They’ve also beaten England in five of the past six finals, proving time and again they know how to deliver when it matters. Winners in 2017 and 2022, New Zealand may not be in their most dominant era, but history shows they can never be written off.
ㅤ
Much of their hope rests on Ruahei Demant, the co-captain and 2022 World Rugby Player of the Year. Demant led the Black Ferns to an unbeaten run at the last World Cup and continues to thrive at both fly-half and inside centre. Her adaptability, leadership, and attack are exactly what New Zealand needs.
ENGLAND 🏴
England enters the tournament with momentum and the home-pitch advantage. The Red Roses have previously lifted the trophy in 1994 and 2014, and they’re hungry for another. Their recent dominance speaks volumes: 26 consecutive test match wins, plus sweeping victories in the Women’s Six Nations and WXV1 titles in 2023, 2024, and 2025. England has been unstoppable, and they’re heading into this tournament as many people’s favorites.
ㅤ
That dominance is anchored by captain Zoe Aldcroft, who embodies consistency and leadership. She may not be flashy, but her work rate, stealing lineouts, making tackles, and carrying with purpose, sets the tone for the whole squad. In contrast, Ellie Kildunne provides the fireworks. One of the most exciting backs in world rugby, her blistering pace and instinct for space turn England’s forward dominance into tries.
AUSTRALIA 🇦🇺
Australia’s Wallaroos are a team on the rise, with recent performances highlighting their growing strength and skill on the world stage. They have steadily climbed to No. 6 in the world rankings and bring a mix of experience and youthful talent to the tournament.
ㅤ
One player to watch is 23-year-old winger Desiree Miller, a former gymnast whose explosive pace, evasive skills, and courage in contact make her a standout player. Miller has already impressed for both the Waratahs and Wallaroos, scoring multiple tries in high-profile matches, and her athleticism and finishing ability make her a key figure in Australia’s game.
USA 🇺🇸
The Eagles made history by winning the inaugural World Cup in 1991. Since then, their investment hasn’t kept pace with rugby’s growth in other nations, leaving them as underdogs. Still, the USA has a proud history of producing fearless, athletic sides – and in knockout rugby, anything is possible.
ㅤ
At the center of their campaign is Ilona Maher – the face of American rugby. After a season with Bristol Bears in Premiership Rugby, Maher returns to lead her national side. She is their focal point in attack and their biggest star, and if the Eagles are to spring a surprise, it will be through her power and playmaking.
AUSTRALIA 🇦🇺
Australia’s Wallaroos are a team on the rise, with recent performances highlighting their growing strength and skill on the world stage. They have steadily climbed to No. 6 in the world rankings and bring a mix of experience and youthful talent to the tournament.
ㅤ
One player to watch is 23-year-old winger Desiree Miller, a former gymnast whose explosive pace, evasive skills, and courage in contact make her a standout player. Miller has already impressed for both the Waratahs and Wallaroos, scoring multiple tries in high-profile matches, and her athleticism and finishing ability make her a key figure in Australia’s game.
USA 🇺🇸
The Eagles made history by winning the inaugural World Cup in 1991. Since then, their investment hasn’t kept pace with rugby’s growth in other nations, leaving them as underdogs. Still, the USA has a proud history of producing fearless, athletic sides – and in knockout rugby, anything is possible.
ㅤ
At the center of their campaign is Ilona Maher – the face of American rugby. After a season with Bristol Bears in Premiership Rugby, Maher returns to lead her national side. She is their focal point in attack and their biggest star, and if the Eagles are to spring a surprise, it will be through her power and playmaking.
