Rugby game and method of play

Abstract

The instant invention is new field game based on improvements to the rugby sevens and traditional rugby union laws (including nos. 3, 5, 6 and 10) whereby, among other things, a match is extended to about 45 to 60 minutes and is played in four quarters broken into about 10-15 minutes, played on the same size field as the traditional sevens rugby game. The new game combines the nonstop action of a rugby union and sevens rugby variation, with the feel of a traditional 15-a-side code match.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is: 
     
         1 . A method of playing a game, comprising the steps of: providing a playing field of approximately 100 yards in length and at least about 70 yards in width defined by a goal line and a touch line; providing a first and second goal at opposing ends of the field that is parallel with and in the same plane as about the center of the goal line and having generally parallel vertical bars and a cross bar extending therebetween; providing a first team of seven players; providing a second team of seven players; the first team taking possession of the ball and advancing the ball within the field of play towards the goal area to score by running with the ball and lateraling or passing the ball backwards to teammates so as to touch the ball to the ground on or over the goal line and/or drop-kicking the ball through the goal and attending to conversion points; and the second team preventing the first team from scoring by tackling a player of the first team in possession of the ball and/or attempting to obtain possession of the ball from the first team so as to advance the ball towards the second in-goal area and/or drop-kicking the ball through the second goal and attending to conversion points. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  whereby the whereby, the timing of a game lasts from about 45 minutes to about 60 minutes, broken down into four quarters of at least about 10 to 15 minutes each. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , whereby after each quarter teams change sides. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , whereby after there is a rest time interval of not more than about three minutes to six minutes between quarters. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , whereby the rest time interval between the first two and last two quarters is about 3 minutes long. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  whereby, a team may comprise no more than 16 players that includes nine substitutes and or replacements. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  whereby, a team can substitute or replace any number of players during a game, at any time. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6  whereby, at the end of a quarter, unlimited substitutions are allowed. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 6  whereby, when a front row player is substituted in a scrum, the player shall be replaced by a front row designated substitute. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  whereby, an additional try box is defined within the in goal area that provides for six points. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1  whereby, an alternate conversion may be attempted in the area about between the fifteen yard line and the touch line which if made provides for a three point aware.