Cross Country
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 is the marathon distance such an unusual number?
The official 42.195 km distance was standardised after the 1908 London Olympics route.
Marathon
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Why did parkrun spread to thousands of locations worldwide?
Free weekly 5 km events made organised running accessible to people of all abilities.
Parkrun
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Why do cross-country runners often finish covered in mud?
Cross-country races take place across grass, hills, woodland, and rough terrain instead of smooth tracks.
Cross Country
0
Why do trail runners often carry backpacks during races?
Long trails may require runners to carry water, food, and safety equipment.
Trail Running
0
Why do wheelchair racers wear gloves while competing?
Gloves protect hands and improve grip during powerful pushes on racing wheels.
Wheelchair Racing
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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
Cross Country
Fun Runs
Marathon
Parkrun
Road Running
Sprinting
Trail Running
Wheelchair Racing
Conversion
Cross Country
Fun Runs
Marathon
Parkrun
Road Running
Sprinting
Trail Running
Wheelchair Racing
Drop Kick
Cross Country
Fun Runs
Marathon
Parkrun
Road Running
Sprinting
Trail Running
Wheelchair Racing
Penalty
Cross Country
Fun Runs
Marathon
Parkrun
Road Running
Sprinting
Trail Running
Wheelchair Racing
Simply Comparisons
Starting Age
Cross Country
7+ Years
Fun Runs
All ages
Marathon
16+ Years
Parkrun
4+ Years
Road Running
6+ Years
Sprinting
5+ Years
Trail Running
8+ Years
Wheelchair Racing
6+ Years
Players
Cross Country
1 or more
Fun Runs
1 or more
Marathon
1 or more
Parkrun
1 or more
Road Running
1 or more
Sprinting
1 or more
Trail Running
1 or more
Length of Play
Cross Country
Seconds to several hours depending on distance
Fun Runs
Seconds to several hours depending on distance
Marathon
42.2 km; time varies
Parkrun
Around 5 km; time varies
Road Running
Seconds to several hours depending on distance
Sprinting
Seconds to several hours depending on distance
Trail Running
Seconds to several hours depending on distance
What is it all about?
Cross Country
Cross Country Running is an off-road running event across grass, mud, hills or trails.
Fun Runs
Friendly running events focus on participation, costumes, community and personal achievement.
Marathon
Marathon is a version of running that focuses on pace, stamina and determination, helping players build confidence, skill and game understanding.
Parkrun
A free weekly 5k event where people run, jog, walk or volunteer together.
Road Running
Runners follow roads or pavements, building fitness, pacing and personal goals.
Sprinting
Short, fast races where runners explode from the start and try to reach top speed quickly.
Trail Running
Runners explore paths, woods or hills, using balance, stamina and adventure.
Wheelchair Racing
Athletes race using specialist racing chairs, combining upper-body power and speed.
Olympic Status
Cross Country
Summer Olympics, 1912
Fun Runs
Non-Olympic
Marathon
Summer Olympics, 1896
Parkrun
Non-Olympic
Road Running
Summer Olympics, 1896
Sprinting
Summer Olympics, 1896
Trail Running
Non-Olympic
Wheelchair Racing
Paralympics, 1960
Player Positions
Cross Country
Runner, Athlete, Coach, Race Official
Fun Runs
Runner, Athlete, Coach, Race Official
Marathon
Runner, Athlete, Coach, Race Official
Parkrun
Runner, Athlete, Coach, Race Official
Road Running
Runner, Athlete, Coach, Race Official
Sprinting
Sprinter, Runner, Coach, Race Official
Trail Running
Runner, Athlete, Coach, Race Official
Wheelchair Racing
Wheelchair Racer, Athlete, Coach, Race Official
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 gravel cycling gain a world championship?
Gravel cycling gained a UCI World Championships event in 2022, marking a major milestone for the discipline.
Gravel Cycling
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When did Speed Climbing reach the Olympics?
Speed Climbing appeared as part of Sport Climbing's Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020.
Speed Climbing
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