What Is a Rugby Touchdown Called? - Understanding the Try
Learn what a rugby touchdown is called, why it’s known as a try, its point value, scoring steps, and how it differs between union and league.
What Is a Try? Understanding Rugby Scoring from Ground to Goal
When talking about try, a method of scoring that awards points when a player grounds the ball in the opponent's in‑goal area. Also known as a touchdown in rugby, a try is the cornerstone of both rugby union, the 15‑a‑side code with set‑pieces and lineouts and rugby league, the faster 13‑a‑side version with a simpler tackle count. It gives the scoring team five (union) or four (league) points, then usually a chance to add two more with a conversion kick. In short, a try combines physical skill, tactical positioning, and a quick decision‑making moment that can swing a match.
How a Try Fits Into the Whole Scoring System
Scoring a try isn’t just about touching the ball down; it triggers a chain of events. First, the ball must be under control and pressed against the ground—no fumbles allowed. Next, the referee checks that the player wasn’t offside or tackling illegally. Once the try is awarded, the team lines up for a conversion, a place‑kick or drop‑kick taken in line with where the try was scored. The conversion adds extra points, so a successful kick can turn a five‑point try into a seven‑point swing in union, or a six‑point total in league. The combination of try and conversion makes the “try‑conversion” pair the most valuable scoring method on the field.
That extra kick creates a strategic layer: teams aim to score close to the posts. A try scored near the touchline forces a difficult, wide‑angle conversion, often missing the added points. Coaches therefore direct play toward the centre of the in‑goal area, especially when the match is tight. This tactical push shows how a try influences not only the scoreboard but also the overall game plan, from set pieces to defensive structures.
Related to the try, the position of the player who scores often matters. Our post about the prop, the front‑row forward known for power in scrums and short‑range drives explains why props frequently power over the line in close‑quarter play. Their strength helps break defensive lines, creating the space needed for a back‑row or winger to finish the move with a try. Understanding which positions contribute to try‑scoring helps fans read the game better and explains why certain players become try‑scoring specialists.
Another angle is the commercial side: fans watching a live match often subscribe to services like RugbyPass, a streaming platform offering live coverage, highlights, and analysis of rugby competitions. A high‑scoring game with multiple tries boosts viewer engagement, driving up subscription value. Knowing how tries shape the excitement level helps broadcasters decide pricing and packaging, which our post on RugbyPass pricing for 2025 details.
Finally, the rules around a try can differ across regions and competitions. For example, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) in England has a specific protocol for video‑referee reviews of grounding, while the International Rugby League (IRL) uses a faster, on‑field judgment system. These variations affect how quickly a try is confirmed and how often teams can challenge a call. Such nuances are essential for anyone following the sport closely, whether you’re a casual viewer or an aspiring coach.
Below you’ll find a curated set of articles that dig deeper into each of these aspects: from equipment guides that keep players safe while scoring, to fitness plans that help you build the power needed for a prop‑driven try, and even tips on watching live rugby on streaming platforms. Use this collection to broaden your understanding of what a try truly means in the world of rugby.