BMX Freestyle

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.

Road Cycling

Downhill Biking

Mountain Biking

Gravel Cycling

Track Cycling

Handcycling

Cyclocross

BMX Freestyle

BMX Racing

Love the game, but interested in investigating other pathways, opportunities or ways of getting involved. Keep exploring...

Simply Snapfacts

Why do track bikes usually have no brakes?
Velodrome riders use fixed gears and controlled slowing instead of traditional braking systems.
Track Cycling
0
Why do downhill riders wear full-face helmets and body armour?
Riders descend rocky trails at high speed where crashes can be severe.
Downhill Biking
0
Why do handcyclists lie low to the ground in races?
Low riding positions reduce air resistance and improve speed efficiency.
Handcycling
0
Why do cyclocross riders sometimes carry their bikes?
Mud, stairs, and obstacles can become too difficult to ride through during races.
Cyclocross
0
Why do mountain bikers shift their body weight constantly downhill?
Riders move their weight to maintain grip and balance over rough terrain.
Mountain Biking
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

Core Skills

Click to Explore other Activities that build these core skills.

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
tag rugby 6
Early Years Foundation

Discover movement, play, coordination and basic skills through fun, age-appropriate activities.

February 2
tag rugby 9
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

Cyclocross
Downhill Biking
Gravel Cycling
Handcycling
Mountain Biking
Road Cycling
Track Cycling
BMX
BMX Freestyle
BMX Racing

Conversion

Cyclocross
Downhill Biking
Gravel Cycling
Handcycling
Mountain Biking
Road Cycling
Track Cycling
BMX
BMX Freestyle
BMX Racing

Drop Kick

Cyclocross
Downhill Biking
Gravel Cycling
Handcycling
Mountain Biking
Road Cycling
Track Cycling
BMX
BMX Freestyle
BMX Racing

Penalty

Cyclocross
Downhill Biking
Gravel Cycling
Handcycling
Mountain Biking
Road Cycling
Track Cycling
BMX
BMX Freestyle
BMX Racing

Simply Comparisons

Starting Age

Cyclocross
5+ Years
Downhill Biking
5+ Years
Gravel Cycling
5+ Years
Handcycling
5+ Years
Mountain Biking
5+ Years
Road Cycling
5+ Years
Track Cycling
5+ Years
BMX
5+ Years
BMX Freestyle
5+ Years
BMX Racing
7+ Years

Players

Cyclocross
1 rider
Downhill Biking
1 rider
Gravel Cycling
1 rider
Handcycling
1 rider
Mountain Biking
1 rider
Road Cycling
1 rider
Track Cycling
1 rider

Length of Play

Cyclocross
1 minute to 1 hour depending on race
Downhill Biking
30 minutes to several hours
Gravel Cycling
30 minutes to several hours
Handcycling
30 minutes to several hours
Mountain Biking
30 minutes to several hours
Road Cycling
30 minutes to several hours
Track Cycling
1 minute to 1 hour depending on race

What is it all about?

Cyclocross
Riders race across mud, grass and obstacles, sometimes carrying bikes over barriers.
Downhill Biking
Riders descend steep trails quickly, focusing on braking, control and brave line choices.
Gravel Cycling
Cyclists ride mixed roads and tracks, combining adventure, endurance and off-road confidence.
Handcycling
Cyclists power adapted bikes with their arms, making cycling accessible and competitive.
Mountain Biking
Cyclists ride off-road trails, using balance, strength and confidence over bumps and rough ground.
Road Cycling
Cyclists ride on roads for fitness, travel or racing, building stamina and control.
Track Cycling
Cyclists race on a smooth indoor velodrome, using speed, tactics and powerful pedalling.
BMX
BMX is a version of cycling that focuses on balance, speed and endurance, helping players build confidence, skill and game understanding.
BMX Freestyle
Riders perform tricks on ramps, parks or flat ground, using creativity and bike control.
BMX Racing
Riders race small bikes over jumps, bends and bumps on a short dirt track.

Olympic Status

Cyclocross
Non-Olympic
Downhill Biking
Non-Olympic
Gravel Cycling
Non-Olympic
Handcycling
Paralympics, 2004
Mountain Biking
Summer Olympics, 1996
Road Cycling
Summer Olympics, 1896
Track Cycling
Summer Olympics, 1896
BMX
Summer Olympics, 2008
BMX Freestyle
Summer Olympics, 2020
BMX Racing
Summer Olympics, 2008

Player Positions

Cyclocross
Cyclist, Rider, Racer, Coach, Race Official
Downhill Biking
Cyclist, Rider, Racer, Coach, Race Official
Gravel Cycling
Cyclist, Rider, Racer, Coach, Race Official
Handcycling
Cyclist, Rider, Racer, Coach, Race Official
Mountain Biking
Cyclist, Rider, Racer, Coach, Race Official
Road Cycling
Cyclist, Rider, Sprinter, Climber, Domestique, Coach, Race Official
Track Cycling
Cyclist, Rider, Racer, Coach, Race Official
BMX
Cyclist, Rider, Racer, Coach, Race Official
BMX Freestyle
Rider, Performer, Coach, Judge
BMX Racing
Cyclist, Rider, Racer, Coach, Race Official

Simply Try

Let the Journey Begin

The Discovery Missions are designed to introduce the sport, in a fun and inclusive way.

  1. Read the Discovery Mission and learn what you’ll be doing.
  2. Discover what you’ll learn and the skills you’ll develop.
  3. Complete the Mission and have fun!
  4. If you wish to, Record and reflect on your experience by writing in your Personal Journal.
  5. Earn an Adventurer Badge for each completed Discovery Mission.
  6. 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 |

When was the first Tour de France held?
The first Tour de France was held in 1903 and became one of the world's most famous road cycling races.
Road Cycling
0
Why was Rugby League created in 1895?
Rugby League was created in 1895 when northern English clubs split from Rugby Union over payments for players who missed work.
Rugby League
0

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