RUGBY – Learn the Lingo

As a sports fan(atic) and general know-it-all, requests to explain the details of sports are a common occurrence.

It is almost a duty to help others understand what is happening on the field.

Bearing this in mind, plus the reality that knowledge of a topic can breed enthusiasm and passion, the Newcastle Advertiser has introduced ‘Learn the Lingo’.

This new column will guide readers into learning more about various sports.

Scoring points in rugby is the focal point for this edition – read on for a breakdown of the most common terms and learn about the sport which can make grown men cry.

Try – when a player carries the ball into the opposition ‘in-goal’ area, and touches it down. A try is worth five points, and can be scored by any player.

Conversion – after a team scores a try, it is given a chance to kick the ball between the goalposts. This kick, or conversion, is worth two extra points. Any player can attempt a conversion, although teams generally have at least three dedicated kickers.

Penalty kick – a serious offence during a rugby match will lead the referee to penalise a team. The opposition can then choose to attempt a kick at goal, for a bonus three points.

Penalty try – if a team deliberately breaks the rules to stop the opposition from scoring a try, the referee can opt to award a penalty try. The opposition then receives five points for the try, and can still attempt a conversion kick.