Rugby Union vs Rugby League: What's the Difference?

Rugby union and rugby league are two separate sports that grew from the same game. The biggest differences: union has 15 players a side and league has 13; in league a team gets six tackles before it hands the ball over, while union has no tackle limit and both teams can compete for the ball after every tackle; and they score differently, with a union try worth 5 points and a league try worth 4.

This guide compares the standard formats: 15-a-side rugby union, played under World Rugby's laws, and 13-a-side rugby league, played under the International Rugby League laws. Sevens, tag, touch and junior versions all have their own rules.

Number of players

• Rugby union: up to 15 players per team on the field, split into 8 forwards and 7 backs. See what the rugby positions are.
• Rugby league: 13 players per team on the field.

Tackles and possession

• Rugby union: once a player is tackled, they must release the ball straight away. Players from both teams can then compete for it on their feet, often forming a ruck. The ball can change hands at any tackle, and a team can keep it for as many tackles as it can.
• Rugby league: the tackled player gets up and rolls the ball back with a foot to a teammate. This is called the play-the-ball. The attacking team has a set of six tackles to score or gain ground. After the sixth tackle, the ball is handed over to the other team, which is why league teams often kick on the last tackle.

Restarting play

• Rugby union: when the ball goes into touch, play usually restarts with a lineout. After a knock-on or forward pass, there is a scrum, with eight players from each side pushing for the ball.
• Rugby league: there are no lineouts. Scrums are smaller and far less of a contest, and many restarts after a tackle or stoppage use a play-the-ball.

Scoring differences

A try is worth 5 points in union and 4 in league. Conversions are worth 2 in both. Penalty goals are worth 3 in union and 2 in league. A drop goal is worth 3 in union and 1 in league. The NRL in Australia awards 2 points for a drop goal (called a field goal) kicked from 40 metres or more. For the full union picture, see how rugby scoring works.

How the games feel different

Union has more contests for the ball: scrums, lineouts, rucks and mauls. Play can flow through many phases, and the forwards and backs have quite different jobs. League has a steady rhythm of sets of six, with lots of running and tackling and less time spent on set pieces.

Rugby union vs rugby league: comparison table

The simple answer for beginners

Both sports share the basics: carry the ball, pass it backwards, tackle, and score tries by grounding the ball over the line. Union has 15 players and more contests for the ball. League has 13 players and is built around sets of six tackles. The Rugby Playbook's books teach rugby union.