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Social media sensation Ilona Maher's eagerly-anticipated Bristol debut ended in defeat as Premiership champions Gloucester-Hartpury beat the Bears 40-17.

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How it works
Click the icon to learn the basics of the Rugby

Rugby union is a dynamic team sport played with an oval ball on a rectangular field. Each team has 15 players, divided into forwards and backs.

The objective is to score more points than the opposition through tries, conversions, penalty kicks, and drop goals.

Basics:Start and Restarts: The game begins with a kickoff. After a score, play restarts with a kickoff by the conceding team.

Scoring:Try: Touching the ball down in the opponent's in-goal area (5 points).Conversion: Kicking the ball through the goalposts after a try (2 points).

Penalty Kick: Awarded for certain infringements, kicked through the posts (3 points).

Drop Goal: Kicking the ball through the posts during open play (3 points).

Phases of Play:Scrum: A set-piece where forwards pack down and push against each other to contest the ball. Lineout: Restarting play by throwing the ball in from the sideline, contested by jumping players. Ruck: Formed after a tackle when players bind over the ball on the ground to secure possession. Maul: Formed when a player with the ball is held up but not tackled, and teammates bind onto the player and each other.

Key Rules:

Forward Passes: The ball must not be passed forward.Offside: Players must remain behind the hindmost foot in a ruck, maul, or scrum.

Tackling: Only the ball carrier can be tackled, and tackles must be below the shoulder. Playing rugby union involves understanding these rules and working as a cohesive unit to advance the ball and defend against the opposing team .

Who to know

Antoine Dupont (France) - The French scrum-half continues to impress with his leadership, vision, and all-around skill, making him one of the most influential players in the world.

Maro Itoje (England) - Known for his athleticism and versatility, Itoje remains a cornerstone of the English team and a standout in the international arena.

Ardie Savea (New Zealand) - The dynamic loose forward is recognized for his powerful ball-carrying and relentless defense, crucial for the All Blacks.

Romain Ntamack (France) - The fly-half is a key figure in France's resurgence, showcasing his playmaking abilities and consistency.

Lukhanyo Am (South Africa) - A vital part of the Springboks, Am is celebrated for his defensive prowess and playmaking skills in the midfield.

Will Jordan (New Zealand) - Known for his speed and try-scoring ability, Jordan is a rising star in the All Blacks' lineup.

Pieter-Steph Du Toit (South Africa) - The flanker continues to be a dominant force in the back row with his work rate and physicality.

Tadhg Furlong (Ireland) - The Irish prop is renowned for his scrummaging power and mobility around the field.

Sam Cane (New Zealand) - The All Blacks captain is known for his leadership and defensive capabilities.

Marcus Smith (England) - The young fly-half has been pivotal for England with his creativity and tactical kicking.

Leagues

The 2024/25 rugby union season in the UK features several prominent competitions:

  1. Premiership Rugby: The top-tier professional rugby union competition in England will kick off on September 20, 2024. The league includes well-known clubs such as Saracens, Exeter Chiefs, and Leicester Tigers​ (
  2. United Rugby Championship (URC): This league includes teams from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy, and South Africa. The full fixture list for the 2024/25 season has been released, allowing fans to plan for the entire season​ (
  3. European Rugby Champions Cup: This prestigious European competition features the best clubs from various European leagues, including the English Premiership, French Top 14, and URC. The fixtures for the 2024/25 season are available on the official EPCR website​
  4. National League Rugby: This includes lower-tier competitions such as National One, National Two (North, South, East, West), which start their season on September 7, 2024. These leagues feature a mix of semi-professional and amateur teams, providing competitive rugby across the country​

These competitions highlight the depth and variety of rugby union in the UK, offering fans a range of exciting matches throughout the 2024/25 season.

Fixtures January 2025

17/01

Ulster V Exeter

Cardiff Rugby v Connacht

Newcastle Falcons v Montpellier

Chinnor v Ealing Trailfinders

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Rugby Union