The field
A rugby league field is between 112 and 122 metres long by 68m wide. The distance between try-lines is always 100 metres. There are lines going across the field which mark every ten metres. An in-goal area extends six to eleven meters beyond each goal-line. At the goal line are a set of goal posts in the shape of the letter 'H', used for other forms of point scoring: field goal, penalty goal and conversion.
A rugby union field is a maximum of 144 metres long by 70m wide. The length from try line to try line is always 100 metres: the only varying distances on a rugby field are the width of the playing field, and the distance from try line to the dead ball line. Lines are painted at the dead ball line, try line, 22 metre line, 10 metre line (broken line) and half way. Lines are also located 5 metres away from the try line and side line and 15 metres away from the side line. At the goal line are a set of goal posts in the shape of the letter 'H', used for other forms of point scoring: field goal, penalty goal and conversion.
Advancing the ball
The ball in rugby league is slighly rounder than the rugby union ball which is more pointed.
Rugby league has a six-tackle rule (somewhat similar to "downs" in American and Canadian football). The team in possession has a "set of six" tackles before having to hand over possession. Play stops when the player in possession of the ball is tackled and play restarts with a play-the-ball. Teams can only obtain a consecutive set of tackles in specific circumstances (by forcing a goal-line drop out, through a 40/20 kick or defensive errors such as playing for the ball but not securing possession).
Rugby union is quite different, being based on the 'right to contest possession'. A team in possession does not need to surrender possession whilst they are able to keep the ball. Whilst rugby league players aren't allowed to try to disposses the ball carrier between tackles, unless the tackle committed is a one on one tackle; rugby union players are allowed to win possession during open play.
While in rugby league both possession and field position are important, in rugby union field position takes precedence. In league possession is usually considered more important than territory, as a player cannot score without the ball. In rugby league the primary method of scoring points is with tries, whereas in union point-scoring from kicks is a significantly more important factor. Rugby union is more a game of territory and players often kick possession away to the opposition to move play nearer the oppostion try line and goal-posts. However rugby league players will do everything possible to limit the amount of time the opposition has in possession of the football.
Possession may change in different ways in both games:-
- When the ball is kicked to the opposing team, this can be done at any time but it is normal to punt on the last tackle in rugby league.
- Following an unsuccesful kick at goal.
- When an opposing player intercepts a pass.
- When the player in possession drops the ball and it is recovered by an opposition player.
- The opposition are awarded a scrum if the player in possession drops the ball forwards or makes the ball go forwards with any part of his body other than his feet. This is called a knock-on.
- In rugby league if the ball goes out of play, the opposition are awarded a scrum. If this is from a kick going into touch on the full this is called ball back and the scrum is formed where contact with the ball was made. Otherwise, the scrum is formed 20m from the the point of touch. Penalties and 40/20 kicks are exceptions to this rule. In rugby union a line-out takes place instead.
- In rugby league, an automatic handover takes place when the team in possession runs out of tackles.
In both codes, tactical kicking is an important aspect of play.