Rugby Field Dimensions

Rugby field dimensions do vary, more so in lower grades. Check out the field, does it measure up? How it might affect your game and the result

Important - length, width, in-goal

Rugby field dimensions in metres

Dimensions must be as close as possible to the figures given above.

No minimum figures are given. If you want to see the actual official dimensions you`ll find them in IRB Law 1 The Ground

Rugby field dimensions - length

The maximum length of the "field of play" is 100 metres. That`s the distance between the two goal lines. You know what your maximum sprint distance will be!

Take field length and field position into account when you decide on your next actions.

You can break a defence with rugby sidesteps but it is best to do it near their end of the field so you are likely to get a try and there is less chance of being run down after you have made the break.

That`s not to say you can`t put a few together and go the length of the field. Even one may be enough if you have the speed to keep clear of chasing defenders or have a speedy player backing you up.

At higher levels in the sport the length would usually be the maximum. At lower levels it may be worth checking the dimensions of the field you are about to play on.

Length variations are likely to be small, but could affect the quality of your decisions and accuracy of your kicks both in general play and shots for goal.

The chip kick in behind the defence may not be as easy on a shorter pitch because the fullback will have less ground to cover.

The 10 metre line is relative to the half-way line.

If you`re playing away and you`re on the opposition 10 metre line you may be 5 to 10 metres closer to or further from the opposition try-line than on your home ground.

Position of the half-way line

Yes it is in the middle of the field!

But it`s relative.

No matter what the rugby field dimensions are, the half-way line is drawn so that it is exactly mid-way between the goallines.

This means on a pitch that is 100m long it is 50m from the halfway line to the goalline.

On a pitch that is only 80m long, it is only 40m from the halfway line to the goalline.

This is an important difference because you often make decisions based on where you are on the field - on knowing how far and how fast you can run or how far you can kick.

Basing your decisions on the assumtion you are 50m from goal (because you are on the halfway line), when it`s only 40m could have unwanted consequences.

Rugby field dimensions - width

The maximum width of the field is 70 metres.

Again at lower levels it may be worth checking the dimensions of the field you are about to play on.

Fields significantly narrower or wider than you are used to could really affect your game and you should be aware of how the pitch you are about to play on compares with your own.

On a narrower field you may feel cramped.

The amazing rugby jink may come in more useful.

If you are used to using wide open spaces to run around the opposition you`ll have to straighten your attack. But you`ll find it easier to defend.

On a wider field, be aware. There`ll be more ground to cover in defence. In attack you`ll be used to having to run straight on a narrower field and will probably use the extra width well.

Maybe your bouncing grubber kick put through the defence would be easier and more useful than usual.

Dimensions of in-goal area

The in-goal area has no set dimensions.

The width may vary from field to field. It is always the same width as the whole field.

The depth may vary.

The actual depth may depend on the amount of space available or on the preferences of the home team.

The maximum depth of the in-goal area is 22 metres. The law says it must be a minimum of 10 metres "where practical".

It can make a big difference when you attempt to score tries.

With deep in goal areas you can even use evasion techniques (rugby sidesteps) to get a try nearer the posts.

This will make it easier for the player taking the place kick to convert the try and score more points.

Check the field you are about to play on.

If your team regularly scores tries by kicking into the in-goal area and running in to ground the ball using the rolling grubber kick, you may be affected by a smaller than usual in-goal area.

Rugby Posts

Rugby field dimensions include the posts - 5.6 metres wide.

The top edge of the cross bar is 3.0 metres from the ground.

The minimum height of the posts is 3.4 metres.

We used to call the goal posts "the sticks"

"He/she sidestepped the fullback and put the ball down under the sticks".

In rugby kicking, for you to score points from any type of goal (conversion, penalty or drop goal) the ball must pass over the cross bar and between the posts.

Here`s a video clip where the ball did just that before being blown back over by the wind. The points were awarded - because it had gone over.