Sport Climbing
What is it?
Rugby is a fast and exciting team sport where players work together to move an oval-shaped ball up the field and score points. Players can run with the ball, pass it backwards to teammates, or kick it forwards to gain distance, while the other team tries to stop them. The main aim of the game is to work together as a team to carry the ball over the opponent’s try line and score a try.
Rugby is all about teamwork, skill, and respect, as every player has an important role in helping their team attack, defend, and support each other. Some players use strength to win the ball and protect their teammates, while others use speed and agility to find space and score points. The sport is played all around the world and is known for its energy, teamwork, and strong sense of sportsmanship, where players respect their teammates, opponents, and the referee.
There are several types of rugby, including contact and non-contact versions. There are many differences, but are focused on the true spirit of rugby in developing confidence, teamwork, and important skills. If you enjoy running, working together, and exciting team games, rugby is a sport full of action and fun.
Explore Activity Types
After exploring this page below, and discovering all about the activity, and deciding that you wish to learn more, progress as a Trailblazor by exploring the Activity types to decide which one interests you.
On Activity Type Pages, you will have the opportunity to attempt Simply Grow Missions to develop your skills, and decide if you wish to challenge yourself with Simply Inspire Missions to progress as an Activity Ambassador.
Simply Snapfacts
Why do ice climbers listen carefully while climbing frozen waterfalls?
Cracking sounds can reveal weak or unstable ice before it breaks.
Ice Climbing
0
Why did El Capitan become famous beyond climbing?
The giant Yosemite cliff became world famous after climbers completed dangerous rope-free ascents.
Rock Climbing
0
Why is lead climbing considered mentally demanding?
Climbers clip the rope in as they ascend, meaning falls can become much longer higher up the wall.
Lead Climbing
0
Why do beginners often learn on top rope systems first?
The rope is anchored above the climber, making falls much shorter and safer.
Top Rope Climbing
0
Why are para climbing competitions split into classifications?
Athletes compete in categories based on different physical impairments to create fair competition.
Para Climbing
0
Competitive Formats
Rugby is a diverse and inclusive sport that, the aim is to advance the ball forward, to score a try. Whether you enjoy fast-paced running games, physical challenges, strategic teamwork or adaptive formats, there is a version of rugby to suit different interests, abilities and goals. Each format has its own rules, number of players, playing environment, playing time and, in many cases, its own governing body or competition structure. While every version is unique, all share rugby’s core values of respect, teamwork, confidence and belonging.
Non-Contact Rugby
Non-contact rugby includes formats where tackling is replaced by touches, tags or other methods of stopping play, making the game more accessible while still retaining many of rugby’s core skills and principles. It focuses on passing, movement, teamwork, decision-making and spatial awareness, often with fewer stoppages and a faster flow of play. Each format has its own rules, number of players, playing time, pace and governing body. Non-contact rugby can also be adapted to support players of different ages, abilities and needs, and always searching for new ways that more people can enjoy and participate in the game.
- Touch Rugby
- Tag Rugby
- T1 Rugby
Contact Rugby
Contact rugby includes formats where touches or tags are replaced with unique elements like scrums, rucks, mauls and line-outs. These elements of the game are introduced after game is stopped by penalty or tackling and physical contact that form part of the game. Games can differ significantly in rules, number of players, playing time, pace, playing environment and governing bodies. Many formats can too feature unique elements such as kicking contests and set pieces, while adaptive formats may modify or replace some of these aspects and can be either contact or non-contact depending on the version being played. Each offers its own challenges, requiring skill, teamwork, determination and resilience.
- Rugby Union
- Wheelchair Rugby
- Rugby League
- Beach Rugby
- Rugby Sevens
Inclusive Rugby
Rugby has continued to develop new formats to engage all individuals, irrespective of ability, experience or circumstances to participate, challenge themselves and enjoy being part of the game. Every individual is encouraged to contribute, support others and recognise the unique strengths that each person brings to the team. By working together, players learn how different skills, perspectives and abilities can unite to achieve a common goal. The games can take on one or a combination of rugby disciplines, based on participants and programme. Whether participating recreationally or competitively, inclusive rugby demonstrates that success is defined by resilience, character, commitment and the willingness to work alongside others. It reflects the spirit of rugby at its best, where everyone has a role to play, every contribution is valued and teams become stronger through collaboration, trust and mutual respect.
- Mixed ability Rugby
- Visually Impaired Rugby
- Walking Rugby
Competitive Pathways
Competitive pathways provide a general guide to some of the adventures and opportunities that may be available as you grow, develop and gain experience. They are designed to show what is possible, not define your pathway.
We all have different goals, and those goals can change over time. You may want to have fun, learn new skills, make friends, stay active, compete, or simply try something new. Different activity formats, countries and governing bodies may offer different pathways and experiences.
Explore the possibilities, discover what you enjoy, and choose the pathway that best supports your own Simply Story.
July 5
Early Years Foundation
Discover movement, play, coordination and basic skills through fun, age-appropriate activities.
February 2
Mini's
Learn the fundamentals, develop confidence and begin playing in simple games and team environments.
January 31
Juniors
Build skills, understanding and experience through regular training, competition and personal development.
January 31
Regional
Represent a wider area, competing against stronger opposition and demonstrating advanced ability and commitment.
January 31
National
Compete or represent at a national level, performing among the highest standard of players in the country.
January 31
Olympics / ParaOlympics
Compete on the world stage, representing your country at elite international competitions, Olympic or Paralympic events.
Search for a Local Club
Simply FACT
Simply History
1871
Rugby Union
Rugby Union was formally organised in 1871 when the Rugby Football Union was founded in England to standardise the rules.
1883
Rugby Sevens
Rugby Sevens was created in Melrose, Scotland, in 1883 by Ned Haig and David Sanderson as a fundraising tournament.
1895
Rugby League
Rugby League was created in 1895 when northern English clubs split from Rugby Union over payments for players who missed work.
1960
Touch Rugby
Touch Rugby developed strongly in Australia in the 1960s and 1970s as a non-contact rugby-style sport.
1977
Wheelchair Rugby
Wheelchair Rugby was originally called Murderball when it was created in Canada in 1977 by athletes with quadriplegia.
2000's
Tag Rugby
Tag Rugby became widely used in schools in the late 20th century as a non-contact way to teach passing, movement and teamwork.
2023
T1 Rugby
T1 Rugby was launched by World Rugby in 2023 as a new non-contact version of rugby designed to make the sport faster, safer, and more accessible for players of all ages and abilities.
Simply Scorecards
Try
Rock Climbing
Speed Climbing
Sport Climbing
Top Rope Climbing
Bouldering
Ice Climbing
Indoor Climbing
Lead Climbing
Outdoor Climbing
Para Climbing
Conversion
Rock Climbing
Speed Climbing
Sport Climbing
Top Rope Climbing
Bouldering
Ice Climbing
Indoor Climbing
Lead Climbing
Outdoor Climbing
Para Climbing
Drop Kick
Rock Climbing
Speed Climbing
Sport Climbing
Top Rope Climbing
Bouldering
Ice Climbing
Indoor Climbing
Lead Climbing
Outdoor Climbing
Para Climbing
Penalty
Rock Climbing
Speed Climbing
Sport Climbing
Top Rope Climbing
Bouldering
Ice Climbing
Indoor Climbing
Lead Climbing
Outdoor Climbing
Para Climbing
Simply Comparisons
Starting Age
Rock Climbing
6+ Years
Speed Climbing
6+ Years
Sport Climbing
6+ Years
Top Rope Climbing
6+ Years
Bouldering
6+ Years
Ice Climbing
6+ Years
Indoor Climbing
6+ Years
Lead Climbing
6+ Years
Outdoor Climbing
6+ Years
Para Climbing
6+ Years
Players
Rock Climbing
1 or more
Speed Climbing
1 or more
Sport Climbing
1 or more
Top Rope Climbing
Climber and belayer
Bouldering
1 or more
Ice Climbing
1 or more
Indoor Climbing
1 or more
Length of Play
Rock Climbing
30 minutes to 3 hours
Speed Climbing
Seconds per climb
Sport Climbing
30 minutes to 3 hours
Top Rope Climbing
30 minutes to 3 hours
Bouldering
30 minutes to 3 hours
Ice Climbing
30 minutes to 3 hours
Indoor Climbing
30 minutes to 3 hours
What is it all about?
Rock Climbing
Rock Climbing is a form of climbing that helps people practise the key skills of the activity in a fun, focused and active way.
Speed Climbing
Two climbers race up identical walls, focusing on explosive movement and fast reactions.
Sport Climbing
Climbers use ropes and fixed anchors to climb routes safely, testing strength and technique.
Top Rope Climbing
A rope from above supports climbers, making it a good way to learn safely.
Bouldering
Climbers tackle short routes without ropes, using mats, problem-solving and powerful movement.
Ice Climbing
Ice Climbing is a form of climbing that helps people practise the key skills of the activity in a fun, focused and active way.
Indoor Climbing
Climbers use artificial walls with coloured holds, making climbing accessible in any weather.
Lead Climbing
Climbers clip the rope as they climb, requiring confidence, planning and strong technique.
Outdoor Climbing
Climbers use real rock routes, learning respect for nature, safety and careful movement.
Para Climbing
Adapted climbing where disabled athletes use skill, strength and problem-solving on climbing routes.
Olympic Status
Rock Climbing
Non-Olympic
Speed Climbing
Summer Olympics, 2020
Sport Climbing
Summer Olympics, 2020
Top Rope Climbing
Non-Olympic
Bouldering
Summer Olympics, 2020
Ice Climbing
Non-Olympic
Indoor Climbing
Non-Olympic
Lead Climbing
Summer Olympics, 2020
Outdoor Climbing
Non-Olympic
Para Climbing
Paralympics, 2028
Player Positions
Rock Climbing
Climber, Belayer, Coach, Guide, Judge
Speed Climbing
Climber, Racer, Coach, Judge
Sport Climbing
Climber, Belayer, Coach, Guide, Judge
Top Rope Climbing
Climber, Belayer, Coach, Guide, Judge
Bouldering
Climber, Spotter, Coach, Judge
Ice Climbing
Climber, Belayer, Coach, Guide, Judge
Indoor Climbing
Climber, Belayer, Coach, Guide, Judge
Lead Climbing
Climber, Belayer, Coach, Guide, Judge
Outdoor Climbing
Climber, Belayer, Coach, Guide, Judge
Para Climbing
Climber, Belayer, Coach, Guide, Judge
Simply Try
Let the Journey Begin
The Discovery Missions are designed to introduce the sport, in a fun and inclusive way.
- Read the Discovery Mission and learn what you’ll be doing.
- Discover what you’ll learn and the skills you’ll develop.
- Complete the Mission and have fun!
- If you wish to, Record and reflect on your experience by writing in your Personal Journal.
- Earn an Adventurer Badge for each completed Discovery Mission.
- Unlock your Adventurer Certificate when you have successfully completed 3 of your chosen Discovery Missions.
Browse Equipment
Browse Pre-Loved
Pre-loved shopping is a smart and sustainable way to find quality items at great value. From sports equipment and books to games, hobbies and everyday essentials, many pre-loved items have been carefully looked after and are ready for their next adventure. Browse trusted brands, discover hidden gems and find products that have already stood the test of time.
Browse New
Spending money is an important decision, so it’s worth exploring your options before you buy. Browse a variety of stores to compare products, prices and services, helping you find the right item at the right value. Whether you’re looking for sports equipment, books, games or hobby supplies, take the time to shop around and make an informed choice.
Simply Tip: Create a wishlist for birthdays, save or earn pocket money by doing chores.
Test your friends & family's knowledge by flipping Simply Snapfacts
Inspire-Me Galleries
Challenge-Me Galleries
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When did Acrobatic Gymnastics gain world championships?
Acrobatic Gymnastics held its first world championships in 1974, helping establish the discipline internationally.
Acrobatic Gymnastics
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When did touring car racing become popular?
Touring car racing grew in the mid-20th century as modified production cars competed on circuits in Europe and Australia.
Ski Touring
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