Rugby Vocabulary Quiz
12 multiple-choice questions on rugby union vocabulary: scrum, tackle, try, conversion, lineout, ruck, maul, penalty, drop-goal, knock-on, offside and prop. A2–B2 level.
This quiz focuses on how the target vocabulary for Rugby is actually used in context at A2–B2 level, rather than testing bare definitions. Correct answers you will need to identify include terms such as scrum, tackle, try, conversion and lineout, each embedded in a full example sentence so you have to judge meaning from context, not just recognise an isolated word.
Working through all 12 questions and checking the explanations in the FAQ below is a quick way to spot any terms you are still unsure of. Revisiting the quiz again after a day or two, rather than only once, is one of the most reliable ways to move new vocabulary from passive recognition into words you can use confidently yourself in speaking and writing.
Rugby Vocabulary — FAQ
What is a 'scrum' in rugby union?
A scrum is a set piece used to restart play after a minor infringement such as a knock-on or forward pass. Eight forwards from each team bind together and push against the opposing pack while the scrum-half feeds the ball into the channel between them. The team that wins the scrum retains possession of the ball. Scrums require great strength, technique and coordination from the forwards involved.
What is the difference between a ruck and a maul?
Both a ruck and a maul are contests for the ball involving players from both teams, but the key difference is where the ball is. In a ruck, the ball is on the ground and players must not handle it — they compete by driving over it with their feet. In a maul, the ball is being carried off the ground by one of the players involved, and teammates and opponents bind around them. Both phases require players to stay on their feet to remain in the contest legally.
How many points is a try worth in rugby union?
A try is worth five points in rugby union. It is scored when a player grounds the ball on or over the opposition's try line with downward pressure. After scoring a try, the scoring team is awarded a conversion attempt, which is worth an additional two points if the kick goes between the posts and over the crossbar. A penalty kick or a drop-goal each scores three points.
What does 'offside' mean in rugby?
Offside in rugby means a player is in a position on the field where they are not allowed to be under the laws of the game. The most common offside line in open play is the position of the ball — players must be behind the ball at all times. At rucks, mauls and scrums, offside lines are set by the positions of the hindmost feet of the players involved. An offside player who interferes with play will concede a penalty.
What is a lineout in rugby and how does it work?
A lineout is a method of restarting play when the ball has gone into touch (crossed the sideline). The forwards from both teams line up in two parallel lines perpendicular to the touchline, between two and fifteen metres from it. The hooker of the team awarded the throw-in lifts the ball above their head and throws it straight down the middle. Players may be lifted by their teammates to contest for the ball. The throwing team normally has an advantage as they know where the ball will be thrown.
What is a knock-on in rugby?
A knock-on occurs when a player loses control of the ball and it travels forward (towards the opposition's dead-ball line) off their hand or arm. It can also happen when a player fails to catch a ball and it bounces forward off their hands. A knock-on results in a scrum to the opposing team at the place where the infringement occurred. It is one of the most common infringements in rugby and often gives the opposition an opportunity to gain territory.
What is a penalty in rugby and what are the options?
A penalty is awarded to a team when their opponents commit an infringement of the laws, such as offside, a high tackle, collapsing a scrum or not releasing the ball in a tackle. The non-offending team has several options: they can kick for goal (worth three points), kick the ball into touch to gain territory and then receive the lineout throw-in, or take a quick tap penalty and restart play immediately. The choice depends on the team's position on the field and the match situation.
What is the role of a prop in rugby union?
A prop is a front-row forward who forms part of the core of the scrum. There are two props: the loosehead prop (number 1), who binds on the left side of the hooker, and the tighthead prop (number 3), who binds on the right. Props are typically powerful, stocky players who provide stability and driving force in the scrum. They are also involved in lineouts, rucks and mauls, and must have both upper-body strength and good technique to compete at set pieces.
What is a drop-goal in rugby?
A drop-goal is a method of scoring worth three points in rugby union. It is achieved during open play when a player drops the ball onto the ground and then kicks it as it bounces up, sending it between the uprights and over the crossbar of the opposition's goal posts. Drop-goals can only be attempted in open play — not from a penalty or at a set piece. They are sometimes used as a tactical option when a team is close to the posts but cannot score a try.
What is a conversion kick in rugby?
A conversion is a kick at goal awarded to a team after they have scored a try. The kick must be taken from a point on the pitch in line with where the ball was grounded for the try. The kicker can move as far back from the try line as they like but must remain in line with the grounding point. A successful conversion scores two additional points, bringing the total for a converted try to seven points. The kicker may use a tee or have a teammate hold the ball.