| Factor | Rugby League | Rugby Union |
|---|---|---|
| Players per side | 13 | 15 |
| Tackles before turnover | 4 (then kick) | Unlimited (contested breakdown) |
| Scoring: try | 4 points | 5 points |
| Scoring: drop goal | 1 point | 3 points |
| Scoring: penalty | 2 points | 3 points |
| Restart after try | Drop-out by conceding team | Kick-off by scoring team |
| Rucks & mauls | No (ball is played off the mark) | Yes — contested breakdowns |
| Line-outs | No | Yes |
| Global reach | UK, AUS, NZ, PNG | Worldwide |
Choose Rugby League when…
You prefer a faster, more streamlined game with continuous action, 13-a-side, and the ball regularly changing hands. League is also bigger in northern England and the NRL.
Choose Rugby Union when…
You prefer a more tactical, possession-based game with 15-a-side, contested breakdowns, line-outs and a wider global reach — Six Nations, Rugby World Cup, club leagues across Europe.
Gear for both
Rugby Training Bibs (Pack)
Run drills for both codes with clearly split squads.
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FAQ
Which is more physical?
Both are demanding, but union has more contested scrums, line-outs and mauls which require specialist techniques and upper-body power. League is arguably more demanding in cardiovascular terms given the relentless 4-tackle sets and restarts.
Can players switch between codes?
Yes — players have moved both ways throughout history. The skill sets overlap considerably, though the technical demands of rucks, line-outs and scrums in union require adjustment time.
What is the difference between rugby league and rugby union scoring?
In rugby union: try = 5 points, conversion = 2, penalty kick = 3, drop goal = 3. In rugby league: try = 4 points, conversion = 2, penalty kick = 2, drop goal = 1. League's lower try value and drop goal value reflect different tactical priorities — league does not have the same range of set-piece scoring opportunities as union.