RugbyX - A New Variation of Rugby

If you are like me, you have probably watched some rugby matches and still confused over the different versions of the game.  Rules vary depending on the type of league.  There is yet another game in the world with some condensed version of the game called RugbyX.

RugbyX is played with five players and matches are much shorter, usually 10 minutes without any breaks for halftime.  The game was invented by Ben Ryan to generate more speed and action.  The first match was played on October 29, 2019 at The O2 Arena in London.

Some of the differences from the traditional versions are:

• The field is half the size of the traditional field and can be played indoors in smaller arenas.
• Five players with seven rolling substitutes allowed.
• Five points for a try without any conversions, drop goals or penalties.
• There are no kickoffs.  The kickoffs are replaced by tap starts on the 5-meter line with the opposing team standing 10 meters back.
• Quick throws instead of line outs.
• Matches which end in a tie in regulation are settled by a one-on-one between a defender on the 5-meter line and attacker 30 meters from the goal with the ball.  The attacker has 10 seconds to score.  

RugbyX has not made it to the U.S. yet; however, the USA Women's team lost to England in the first RugbyX event.  The game ended in a 20-20 tie before England won 3-2 in the one-on-one overtime format to claim the title.  Watch the women's final here: https://youtu.be/HZ6gQpt8yJs   Argentina won the men's final over Ireland 25-15.  Watch the men's final here:  https://youtu.be/C7Ed6wMzASQ

The COVID-19 pandemic hindered growth of the sport but in December, Illinois High Schools introduced their own RugbyX tournament with eight teams playing four matches.

For more information about RugbyX:   https://www.rugbyx.com/