How to Play Touch Rugby: Rules, Skills, and Basics Explained

Touch rugby's a winner because you don't need a huge frame or years of tackling experience. It’s fast and inclusive, making it a staple for school PE and social leagues. If you're wondering how to play touch rugby, think of it as a game of speed and space. We've put this guide together to help you hit the field! 

Key Takeaways 

• Scoring is about tries. You ground the ball over the line and don't need to worry about kicking for goals.
• Possession lasts for six touches. Once you've been touched six times, the ball goes to the other team.
• Passing must always go backwards. If the ball goes forward, it’s a turnover or a penalty. 

How Do You Play Touch Rugby? A Simple Overview 

You play touch rugby by moving the ball down the field with backwards passes to score a try. The objective of touch rugby is to ground the ball over the try line before the defence touches you six times. You're trying to create gaps with quick footwork and smart passing. 

When a defender touches you, play stops. You perform a rollball to restart. This repeats until you score or run out of touches. It’s a non-contact sport, so it’s a great option for mixed teams and kids. 

What Are the Basic Rules of Touch Rugby? 

The basic rules of touch rugby keep the game moving. It’s often confused with rugby league, but no tackling means the strategy changes. Here are the core rules for beginners. 

• Six Touches: Your team has six chances to score. If you're touched a sixth time, the ball changes hands right there. 
• The Touch: A touch can be on your body, the ball, or your clothes. Both attackers and defenders can make the touch. 
• The Rollball: After a touch, you stand on the mark and roll the ball between your legs. You can't just pass it from the ground. 
• No Forward Passes: The ball must always go to a teammate who is behind you or level with you. 
• The Dummy Half: This is the person who picks up the ball after a rollball. If they're touched while holding the ball, it's a turnover. 

How Does Touch Rugby Work? Possession and Turnovers 

The game flows based on how you handle transitions. How does touch rugby work during a turnover? A change of possession happens if the ball hits the ground, a pass goes forward, or the dummy half gets caught. 

When a try is scored, the game restarts with a tap at halfway. Defending teams have to get back five to seven metres after every touch. This retreat creates the space attackers need. If the defence stays too close, the referee will call them offside. 

Touch Rugby Positions Explained 

Touch positions are fluid. You don't need a specific body type for these roles. Most social games use these three spots. 

• Middles: These players stay in the centre. They do the hard work and directed running to open up the field. 
• Links: These are the playmakers between the middles and the wingers. They set up the scoring chances. 
• Wingers: These players stay near the sidelines. They need speed to finish plays and score tries when the defence is stretched. 

Players usually rotate through these spots to stay fresh. Since there are no scrums, you don't need to learn complex set pieces. 

Basic Touch Rugby Skills for Beginners 

You don't need elite fitness to start. Mastering a few basics makes the game much more fun. 

• The Rollball: Practice stepping over the ball and rolling it back smoothly. A slow rollball lets the defence reset. 
• Backwards Passing: Get used to looking over your shoulder. Passing at speed is the hardest part for most beginners. 
• Defending the Mark: When you make a touch, stay on that spot until the ball is rolled. This forces the attacker to move around you. 
• Communication: Talk to your team. The game is fast, so you need to tell your teammates where the gaps are. 

Touch Rugby Field Setup and Game Format 

A touch field is roughly 70 meters long and 50 meters wide. That's about half a regular rugby pitch. Most social and school touch rugby games have six players per side. Games usually run for 40 minutes with two 20-minute halves. In schools, these are often shorter. The smaller field means you're always in the action. 

Touch Rugby Equipment You Need to Play 

You don't need much gear to get started. Here’s the essential touch rugby equipment list. 

• Touch Rugby Balls: These are smaller than standard balls. Touch balls use a Size 4 or 4.5. Adults use a Size 4. Juniors often use a Size 3. 
• Markers & Cones: Use these for try lines and the five-meter defensive line. 
• Team Bibs: Clear colours are vital so you don't pass to the wrong person. 
• Footwear: Most social games allow sneakers. Metal studs are banned for safety. 

Touch Rugby Ball vs Standard Rugby Ball 

A standard rugby union ball is a Size 5. It’s about 30cm long and weighs up to 460 grams. It’s pumped up hard to handle scrums and long kicks. Touch rugby uses a Size 4 ball. These are roughly 26cm long and lighter, usually around 360g to 410g. The smaller size makes it easier to grip for those quick flick passes. Since there's no kicking, the ball is designed for handling and speed. 

Common Touch Rugby Questions for Beginners 

Is touch rugby safe for kids? Yes. No tackling means it’s one of the safest team sports for students. 

Do you need rugby experience? Not at all. Skills from netball or basketball carry over perfectly. 

Can touch rugby be mixed gender? Most social leagues are mixed. It’s a great way to stay active because it relies on agility rather than strength. 

Touch Rugby Equipment and Training Gear at SUMMIT Sport 

We've been supplying Australian schools and clubs since 1991. Our touch rugby ball range includes elite match balls and tough training options. We focus on materials that give you a great grip in any weather. 

If you're starting a team, we also have the cones, bibs, and whistles you need. Our gear is built to handle the heavy use of community sport. Explore the SUMMIT Sport touch rugby ball collection and check out our Guide to Coaching Sports to master your field positioning.