Updated: Duration of a Standard Rugby Game Updated on October 4, 2024
Rugby is an exciting and physically challenging sport that is enjoyed by millions of people around the world. A common question among newcomers and even experienced fans is, “How long is a rugby game?” Unlike many other sports with fixed game durations, the length of rugby can vary depending on the format and level of play. Let’s look at the specifics of the duration of a rugby match and understand the various components that contribute to its total length.
How long is a rugby match? How big is a rugby field? How do you score in rugby? We’re here to answer these fundamental questions!
The Duration of a Rugby Game
Rugby is a game that lasts 80 minutes, divided into two 40-minute halves. The clock runs continuously, just like football, except when there is an injury or instant replay. So, when the ball goes out of bounds or when someone scores, the clock continues to run. Let’s take a deeper look at the details of rugby game timing and when game time can be extended!
1. How long is rugby union game
In the case of rugby union, it is divided into two halves, each of which lasts 40 minutes of actual playing time. This playing time is often referred to as “game time” or “ball in play time”. However, the total duration of a rugby union match is usually longer due to various stoppages, breaks and halftime.
2. Halftime Break
In the middle of the game, there is a halftime break. This break usually lasts for 10 minutes. During halftime, teams go to their locker rooms or designated areas to strategize, rehydrate, and make necessary substitutions or tactical adjustments, then resume play.
3. Total Duration of a Rugby Union Match
Taking into account the 40 minutes of game time per half and the 10-minute halftime break, the total duration of a Rugby Union match can be estimated as follows:
- Game Time: 80 minutes (2 halftimes, every 40 minutes)
- Halftime Break: 10 minutes
Total Duration: Approximately 100 minutes (1 hour and 40 minutes)
It’s important to note that the actual elapsed time for a Rugby Union match can vary due to stoppages for injuries, penalties, video referee decisions, and other interruptions. Check our previously published article on soccer game length.
Rugby League Game Length
Rugby League, another popular variant of rugby, follows a slightly different structure in terms of game duration:
1. Rugby League Match Duration
A standard rugby league match consists of two half times, with each half lasting 40 minutes.
2. Halftime Break
Like rugby union, rugby league also has a halftime break, which is usually 10 minutes long.
3. Total Duration of a Rugby League Match
Considering the game time and halftime break, the total duration of a Rugby League match is approximately:
- Game Time: 80 minutes (2 halves of 40 minutes each)
- Halftime Break: 10 minutes
Total Duration: Approximately 100 minutes (1 hour and 40 minutes)
As with Rugby Union, the actual length of a Rugby League match can be longer due to stoppages and other factors. If you want to know about the basketball game duration, you can read my previous article.
Comparison of Rugby Union and Rugby League Game Lengths
| Aspect | Rugby Union | Rugby League |
|---|---|---|
| Halves | 2 halves of 40 minutes each | 2 halves of 40 minutes each |
| Halftime Break | 10 minutes | 10 minutes |
| Total Duration | Approx. 100 minutes | Approx. 100 minutes |
How long is a high school rugby game?
A typical high school rugby game usually consists of two halves, each lasting 60 minutes of actual playing time. This does not include stoppage time for substitutions, injuries or other delays, so the total duration may be longer. A full high school rugby game often lasts about 70 to 90 minutes in total, including breaks.
What is the rugby match length including half time?
Including half-time, breaks and intermissions, most rugby matches take at least 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete, and the actual game will last 80 minutes.
How long is a high school rugby match on Tv?
The average rugby game lasts about 60 minutes. The game is broken by two 10-minute breaks.
What is the duration of rugby 7s game?
A rugby 7s game is 14 minutes long, consisting of two halves of seven minutes each.
How big is a rugby field?
The rugby field is quite large, measuring approximately 100 metres long and 70 metres wide. This is similar to the size of a football field, but slightly wider. Lines are drawn on the field to indicate the different areas where players can play. There are two main areas: the in-goal area, which is behind each set of goalposts, and the playing area where play takes place.
There are goalposts at each end of the field with a crossbar in between. These are the places where players try to score points by kicking the rugby ball over the crossbar. The field is usually made of grass or sometimes artificial turf, and it is important for players to stay within the boundaries marked by lines. This size of field gives players enough space to run, pass and tackle each other during the game.
In international matches and tournaments, the size of the rugby field is standardized to ensure fairness and consistency in gameplay. Understanding the dimensions of the field helps players and fans follow the action and strategy during rugby matches. Looking for more insights? Check our previously published article on How Long Does 18 Holes Of Golf Take?
How do you score in rugby?
Scoring in a rugby game involves earning points by moving, passing, or kicking the ball to the opponent’s end of the field. Here are some ways to score:
- Try: This is the main way to score in rugby. A try occurs when a player touches the ball in the opponent’s in-goal area (the area behind the goal line). This gives the team 5 points.
- Conversion: After scoring a try, the team gets a chance to kick the ball through the goal posts. This kick is called a conversion, which adds 2 extra points to the score of the try, giving a total of 7 points for a successful try and conversion.
- Penalty Kick: If the opposing team commits a foul, the other team can choose to kick the ball into the goal post from the spot of the foul. This gives them 3 points.
- Drop Goal: During open play, a player can kick the ball through the goal posts. This is called a drop goal and also earns 3 points.
Teams aim to score as many points as possible to win the game. Understanding these scoring methods helps players and fans follow the excitement of rugby matches.
Read our previously published article on average hockey game length.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Rugby union game is an 80 minute, divided into two 40 minute halves; including two 10 minutes halftime break.
The major rugby regular season consisted of 18 weeks, with each team playing 16 matches.
In rugby league, teams play a match consisting of two 40-minute halves, with referees adding injury time at each half’s end. Between halves, players take a 10-minute break. During this break, both teams switch ends so they can attack the opposite side of the field. A hooter or whistle signals the start and end of each half.
In rugby, each half lasts 40 minutes and includes a halftime break of no more than 10 minutes.
In traditional 15s rugby, teams comprise 15 players divided into two groups: forwards and backs.
