top of page

Everything you need to know about Rugby Union.

Feel free to explore my video library in any way that suits, but if you are looking for a place to start, I suggest watching my videos in the following order. Remember to like and subscribe and tell me what videos you would like to see next in the comments section. Enjoy ...

START WITH THE RUGBY BASICS ...

Rugby 101: All the Basics of Rugby - All You Need to Know to Watch Your First Game!

 

If you're new to the exhilarating world of Rugby Union or simply want to enhance your understanding of the game, you've come to the right place. This comprehensive video is designed to equip you with all the essential knowledge to enjoy and appreciate Rugby to the fullest.

 

In this beginner-friendly tutorial, we cover everything you need to know about how Rugby works, from the basic rules and gameplay to the fundamental elements that make it such a unique and thrilling sport. We'll walk you through the intricacies of lineouts, scrums, rucks, and mauls, ensuring you grasp the mechanics of these crucial aspects of the game.

 

Our informative video also explains the layout of the Rugby field, providing insights into the various zones and markings that form the foundation of the game. Additionally, we'll introduce you to the different Rugby positions, exploring the roles and responsibilities of both the powerful Forwards and the skillful Backs.

 

Whether you're wanting to learn how to play Rugby, a sports enthusiast or someone seeking to broaden their horizons, this video is your gateway to understanding Rugby Union. We present the rules and concepts in a clear and accessible manner, making it easy for beginners to follow along and comprehend.

 

Join us as we unravel the Laws of Rugby Union, offering valuable insights into the regulations that govern the sport. By the end of this tutorial, you'll have the confidence and knowledge necessary to watch your first Rugby game with a newfound appreciation for the strategies, athleticism, and camaraderie that define this incredible sport.

RUGBY 101: ALL 15 POSITIONS EXPLAINED

Rugby 101: Rugby Positions Explained!

 

If you're new to the game of Rugby Union, this video is for you. In this educational video, we will cover the basics of Rugby Union positions, including the differences between Rugby Forwards and Rugby Backs. We'll also go over what each position in Rugby does, where each position in Rugby plays as well as which body type is best suited to each position.

 

Rugby union is an amazing game that requires enormous amounts of team work from players with different skill sets and different physical attributes. To many people Rugby looks like chaos, but each position plays an integral role and is a cog in a bigger machine. We will introduce you to the Laws of Rugby Union and help you learn Rugby the easy way.

 

Our goal is to make learning about Rugby positions fun and easy, and to help you understand all you need to know about the game. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or just looking to expand your knowledge, this video is a great resource for anyone interested in Rugby Union.

RUGBY 101: RUGBY UNION RUCKS EXPLAINED

Rugby 101: Rugby Union Rucks Explained!

 

Rugby Union Rucks Explained on Couch Rugby  |  Mastering the Core Aspect of the Game

 

Welcome to Couch Rugby's in-depth guide to understanding rugby rucks in Rugby Union! Whether you're new to the sport or looking to deepen your knowledge, this video breaks down the key concepts of rucks in a clear and engaging way.

 

Topics Covered:

  • Definition and Formation of Rucks

  • The Crucial Objective of Securing Possession

  • Essential Rules and Offside Line Dynamics

  • Roles Breakdown:

 

Ball Carrier: The player who has possession of the ball and is tackled by the opponent. The ball carrier's decisions impact the ruck's outcome.

 

Tackler: The player who makes the tackle on the ball carrier, aiming to bring them down and contribute to the formation of the ruck.

 

Poacher: A specialist in winning the ball from the opposition during a ruck. This player excels at seizing opportunities to gain possession.

 

Cleaners: Teammates who enter the ruck to secure the ball and remove opponents. Their effectiveness determines the speed and quality of possession.

 

Counter Ruckers: Skilled players who target the ruck to disrupt the opposing team's possession and potentially win the ball.

 

  • Mastering the Art of Contesting the Ball Legally

  • Referee Signals and Penalty Insights

  • Strategic Importance in Attack and Defense

  • Safety Guidelines for Players and Proper Technique

 

I've organized the roles information in a paragraph style to provide clear insights into the various roles within a rugby ruck.

RUGBY 101: RUGBY UNION SCRUMS EXPLAINED

Rugby 101: Rugby Union Scrums Explained!

 

Rugby Union Scrums Explained on Couch Rugby  |  Mastering the Core Aspect of the Game

 

Welcome to Couch Rugby's in-depth guide to understanding the scrum in Rugby Union! Whether you're new to the sport or looking to deepen your knowledge, this video breaks down the key concepts of scrums in a clear and engaging way.

 

Topics Covered:

  • When scrums are called

  • Scrum positions

  • How scrum is formed

  • How the scrum engages, starts and finishes

  • Where players not in the scrum position themselves

  • Also touch on the impacts professionalism has had on the sport of Rugby Union. ​

​

​

https://www.world.rugby/the-game/laws... - Link to World Rugby scrum laws
 

​​​

RUGBY 101: RUGBY UNION LINEOUTS EXPLAINED

Rugby 101: Rugby Union Lineouts Explained!

 

Rugby Union Lineouts Explained on Couch Rugby  |  Mastering the Core Aspect of the Game

 

Lineouts are a crucial part of Rugby, but how did they come to be? In this video, I dive into the fascinating history of the lineout, exploring its evolution and impact on the game. Then, I break down the mechanics—how teams set up, the role of lifters and jumpers, and the strategies used to gain an advantage.

 

Whether you're new to Rugby or a seasoned fan, this video will give you a deeper understanding of one of the most technical and tactical aspects of the sport. Beyond just the mechanics, lineouts are a test of teamwork, communication, and adaptability. Players must read the opposition, execute precise timing, and trust their teammates to deliver the perfect lift or throw. Some of the greatest moments in Rugby history have been shaped by brilliant lineout plays, turning the tide of a match in an instant. In this video, we explore those moments and the skill required to master the art of the lineout.

 

Links to Matfield videos:

   • Matfield's Lineout Masterclass | SKY TV   - Matfields lineout master class

   • Line-out demo with Victor Matfield | Rugby...   - Matfields lineout demo

​


🎥 Our comprehensive breakdown includes real game footage and expert insights, ensuring you grasp the core mechanics of scrums effortlessly.

​

🤝Join the Couch Rugby community in the comments below! Have questions about rucks or other rugby elements? Our fellow fans and experts are here to help.

​

🔔Don't miss out on mastering one of the fundamental aspects of Rugby Union with Couch Rugby. Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on more exciting rugby explanations!

​

📚 Further enhance your rugby knowledge with Couch Rugby's playlist of informative videos about the sport's rules, techniques, and history.​

​

RUGBY 101: RUGBY UNION MAULS EXPLAINED

Rugby 101: Rugby Union Mauls Explained!

 

Rugby Union Mauls Explained on Couch Rugby  |  How They Work and Why Teams Do It

 

Rugby’s maul: misunderstood by many, mastered by few. In this video, we take a deep dive into one of the sport’s most physically dominant and tactically rich phases of play—the maul. Often dismissed as chaotic or slow, the maul is actually a finely tuned weapon of control, momentum, and psychological warfare.

 

We explore how the maul evolved from its early 19th-century roots in England into a global tactical staple. You’ll learn how teams use it not just to gain ground, but to dictate tempo, drain defenders, and create scoring opportunities. From the moment a maul is formed—when the ball carrier refuses to go to ground and teammates bind in support—every movement becomes a calculated push toward dominance.

 

This breakdown covers:

  • ✅ What defines a maul and how it differs from a ruck or tackle

  • ✅ Why mauls are often initiated after lineouts and how that shapes team strategy

  • ✅ The key laws that govern mauls and how they influence gameplay

  • ✅ Defensive tactics: how teams try to stop or collapse a maul legally

  • ✅ The psychological impact of a dominant maul on both teams

  • ✅ How mauls create space and scoring chances by forcing defensive overcommitment

  • ✅ The connection between mauls, scrums, and overall forward dominance
     

Whether you’re a player, coach, analyst, or just someone trying to understand what’s happening when 16 bodies collide and somehow move as one—this video will give you the clarity you’ve been missing.

 

We also touch on how mauls fit into the broader philosophy of rugby as a multi-dimensional sport. Just like American football has its run/pass dichotomy and Aussie Rules blends kicking and running, rugby offers both open play and structured forward drives. The maul is the latter—an expression of unity, strength, and tactical patience.

 

🎯 Perfect for:

  • Rugby newcomers trying to decode the game

  • Fans looking to deepen their tactical understanding

  • Coaches and players refining their maul strategy

  • Anyone who’s ever asked, “Why don’t they just go to ground?”

 

💬 Got thoughts on maul tactics or a favorite team that uses them brilliantly? Drop your insights in the comments.

 

👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more rugby breakdowns that go beyond the surface.

​

RUGBY 101: KICKING

Rugby 101: Kicking - How does it work & Why teams use it.

 

🏉 Why Do Rugby Teams Kick? Tactical Analysis of Kicking in Rugby Union Explained

When you think of rugby, your mind probably jumps to explosive runs, bone-rattling tackles, and high-octane scrums—not someone kicking the ball. But kicking isn’t just a side note in Rugby Union—it’s a strategic cornerstone that shapes the flow, psychology, and outcome of the game. In this deep-dive video, we explore the real reasons why rugby teams kick, when they kick, and how kicking decisions reflect broader tactical philosophies. Whether it’s a contestable bomb, a cross-field attacking kick, or a calculated exit from the 22, every kick tells a story about territory, possession, pressure, and game state.

 

🔍What You’ll Learn in This Video:

  • The role of kicking across different football codes (Rugby Union vs Rugby League vs AFL vs NFL vs Soccer)

  • Why kicking is essential to Rugby Union’s tactical identity

  • Possession vs territory: how teams decide what to prioritize

  • Rugby’s cyclical evolution: defensive vs attacking eras

  • Strategic breakdown of kick types:

  • Kick-offs and restarts (22m dropouts, goal-line dropouts)

  • Penalty kicks, conversions, and drop goals

  • Kicks for touch and the 50:22 rule

  • Contestable kicks and aerial pressure

  • Attacking kicks (crossfield kicks, grubbers, chips)

  • How kicking influences defensive structure and backfield coverage

  • Why kicking is misunderstood by casual fans—and how to decode it

  • The psychology behind kicking decisions: risk, reward, and field position


📊 Key Stats & Insights:

  • Kick-to-pass ratios across Rugby Union, League, NFL, and AFL

  • World Cup data showing variability in kicking strategies

  • How kicking trends reflect broader tactical shifts in the sport


🎯 Keywords for Search Optimization: rugby union kicking tactics, why do rugby teams kick, rugby kicking explained, rugby strategy possession vs territory, contestable kicks rugby, crossfield kick rugby, rugby union vs rugby league kicking, 50:22 rule rugby, tactical kicking rugby, rugby union analysis, rugby kicking breakdown, rugby restart rules, rugby kicking laws, rugby drop goal explained, rugby penalty kick strategy, rugby union gameplay, rugby coaching tips, rugby for beginners, rugby tactics 2025

📺 Referenced Video: Check out my breakdown of the wing position for more on how kicks influence wide play and defensive spacing.

💬 Whether you're a seasoned rugby analyst or just starting to explore the sport, this video will give you a clearer understanding of how kicking decisions shape the game—and why they’re often the difference between winning and losing.

🧠 Rugby isn’t just brute force. It’s finesse, discipline, and match awareness. Kicking is the lever that balances it all.

 

👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more rugby breakdowns that go beyond the surface.

​

bottom of page