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Rugby Field Dimensions

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

Rugby field dimensions in metres

Rugby field 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

Length of the field

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.

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 may not be as easy on a shorter pitch...

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 tryline 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.

Width of the field

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 todays pitch compares with your own.

On a narrower field you may feel cramped.
The 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.
A bouncing grubber kick put through the defence could be good

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 prefernces 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.

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".

When you are kicking for 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.

Would you believe it!

Other rugby field details

You may also be interested in other field information.
...like the playing surface, the lines and the rules

You can find full details at the rugby field

Return from Rugby Field Dimensions to How to Play Rugby

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Sydney, Australia