Written by Pasha Tehrani
Monday 5 May 2025
Rugby Union is one of Australia's most beloved sports, known for its fast-paced, physical gameplay and deep-rooted traditions. Sydney, as a rugby stronghold, has a thriving rugby culture that ranges from grassroots club rugby to elite professional teams. Whether you’re a newcomer to the sport or a seasoned fan, here’s everything you need to know about Rugby Union in Sydney and who to support.
What Is Rugby Union?
Rugby Union is a full-contact team sport played with 15 players on each side. The game is known for its structured play, involving scrums, lineouts, rucks, mauls, and tactical kicking, alongside moments of open running rugby. The objective is to score points through tries (worth five points), conversions (two points), penalty goals (three points), and drop goals (three points).
Each team competes for possession through physical and strategic contests, requiring a blend of strength, agility, endurance, and teamwork. The game is divided into two 40-minute halves, with stoppages only for significant injuries or penalties. Unlike Rugby League, which has six tackles before possession changes, Rugby Union features continuous contests for possession, making for a dynamic and strategic game that rewards both tactical play and athleticism.
Key Passing and Kicking Rules
- Passes must go backwards – players cannot throw the ball forward; only kicks can advance the ball downfield.
- Kicking is a crucial tactic – players can kick to gain territory, contest possession, or attempt to score points.
- Different types of kicks include:
- Box kick – often used by scrum-halves to gain territory.
- Garryowen (high kick) – a high up-and-under kick to pressure defenders.
- Grubber kick – a low, bouncing kick designed to evade tacklers.
- Drop goal – a kick during open play that must bounce before being struck, worth three points.
Who to Support in Sydney
The New South Wales Waratahs are Sydney’s premier professional rugby team, competing in the Super Rugby Pacific tournament against teams from New Zealand, Fiji, and beyond. The Waratahs play their home games at Allianz Stadium, providing a great live rugby experience for fans.
The Wallabies are Australia’s national team. The Wallabies have a rich history, winning two Rugby World Cups (1991, 1999) and regularly competing against the world’s best teams in tournaments like the Rugby Championship (against New Zealand, South Africa, and Argentina) and the Bledisloe Cup against their arch-rivals, the New Zealand All Blacks. The Wallabies play home matches in Sydney at Accor Stadium or Allianz Stadium.
The Wallaroos are Australia’s national women’s team. The Wallaroos have been steadily growing in prominence, representing Australia with pride in the Women’s Rugby World Cup and the Pacific Four Series, where they regularly face off against top-tier nations like New Zealand, Canada, and the USA. Home fixtures are typically played at venues like Allianz Stadium or as double-headers alongside the men’s matches.
Rugby Union fans around the globe eagerly anticipate the clash between the Wallabies and the British & Irish Lions. The rivalry between the Wallabies and the British & Irish Lions is one of the most celebrated in rugby history. The Lions, comprising players from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, embark on a tour every four years, facing off against top rugby nations, including Australia.
Getting Involved
If you’re interested in playing rugby yourself, Sydney has numerous community and social rugby clubs catering to different skill levels. Whether it’s competitive club rugby or social touch rugby, there are many opportunities to get involved in the game.
For those who simply want to enjoy the sport, Sydney’s rugby culture offers plenty of ways to engage, from attending live games to watching matches at rugby-friendly pubs around the city.
Final Thoughts
Rugby Union is an integral part of Sydney’s sporting landscape, offering everything from high-quality professional action with the Waratahs to intense international clashes with the Wallabies. Whether you choose to support a local team or back the Wallabies on the international stage, there’s no shortage of rugby excitement in Sydney.