With 15 players per side, a rugby team is divided into forwards and backs. Forwards are usually the larger, stronger players on the team. Their main job is to win possession of the ball. The backs are often smaller, faster, and more agile and typically exploit the ball possessions, which are won by the forwards.

Both the forwards and backs play at the same time. All 15 players assemble on the field, called a pitch, and the match starts with a kickoff. The receiving team generally tries to move the ball downfield to score. However, in attempting to score, the team cannot pass the ball forward or block. The defenders can only tackle the ball carrier.