Correct: D. 15

A rugby union team consists of 15 players on the field at one time, divided into eight forwards (the scrum) and seven backs. Teams can have up to eight substitutes (replacements) on the bench for a total squad of 23 players. The forwards are responsible for set-piece play and physicality, while the backs focus on speed and running.

Correct: C. 5

A try in rugby union is worth 5 points and is scored when a player grounds the ball over the opponent's try line. After a try is scored, the scoring team has the opportunity to attempt a conversion kick for an additional 2 points. Tries replaced touchdowns as the primary scoring method and their value has been increased several times to encourage attacking play.

Correct: C. 2 players

The main difference in team size between rugby union and rugby league is that rugby union is played with 15 players per side, while rugby league uses 13 players. This difference emerged from the 1895 split in rugby when northern English clubs broke away to form their own code, partly over player payment rules. The two codes also have different tackle and scrum rules.

Correct: C. A war dance, New Zealand

The Haka is a traditional Māori war dance performed by the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team before international matches. It is used as a challenge to opponents and as a powerful display of team unity and cultural pride. The All Blacks perform the Ka Mate Haka, which dates back to the early 19th century.

Correct: B. 3

A penalty kick is worth 3 points in rugby union, the same as a dropped goal. Penalty kicks are awarded when the opposition commits an infringement and are typically taken from where the infringement occurred. Teams can choose to kick for goal, kick to touch (gaining territory), or take a quick tap penalty.

Correct: B. 80 minutes

A rugby union match consists of two 40-minute halves, totaling 80 minutes of playing time. The referee adds time at the end of each half for injuries, stoppages, and extended play at the end of a half when the ball is in play. In major competitions, extra time is played if matches are level, with a 20-minute period (two 10-minute halves) used to determine a winner.

Correct: D. A set piece restart

A scrum in rugby is a method of restarting play in which the eight forwards from each team bind together and contest for the ball. A scrum is awarded after minor infringements such as a forward pass or knock-on. The ball is fed into the tunnel between the two packs, and the hooker attempts to heel the ball back to the scrum-half.

Correct: A. 1987

The first Rugby World Cup was held in 1987 co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. New Zealand won the inaugural tournament defeating France 29-9 in the final in Auckland.

Correct: B. 2

A conversion is worth 2 points in rugby union. After scoring a try the scoring team has the opportunity to kick the ball through the posts from a position in line with where the try was scored. A successful kick adds 2 points to the 5-point try.

Correct: D. 3 points

A drop goal in rugby union is worth 3 points - equal to a penalty kick. It is scored by dropping the ball onto the ground and kicking it as it rises. The ball must pass over the crossbar and between the uprights.

Correct: A. An annual international rugby union tournament between England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France, and Italy

The Six Nations Championship is an annual international rugby union competition between England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France, and Italy. Held each February and March it is the world's most widely watched annual rugby competition.

Correct: C. Fly-half

The number 10 jersey is worn by the fly-half (also called the outside-half or stand-off). The fly-half is the primary playmaker in rugby union - receiving passes from the scrum-half and directing the team's attacking play through kicks, passes, and runs.

Correct: A. A set piece where players lift teammates to contest a ball thrown in from the sideline

A lineout is a set piece used to restart play after the ball has gone into touch (out of bounds). Players from both teams form parallel lines and the team who did not kick the ball into touch throws it in. Players are lifted by teammates to contest possession.

Correct: C. A New Zealand openside flanker considered the greatest rugby player ever

Richie McCaw is a New Zealand rugby union player who played openside flanker (number 7) for the All Blacks. He captained New Zealand to back-to-back Rugby World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015 and is widely considered the greatest rugby player in history.

Correct: A. Winning all matches against the other five nations in the competition

The Grand Slam in the Six Nations means winning all five matches against the other nations in the tournament. Achieving the Grand Slam is considered the highest achievement in the Six Nations.

Correct: B. When a player accidentally propels the ball forward with their hand or arm resulting in a scrum for the opposing team

A knock-on occurs when a player accidentally hits the ball forward with their hand or arm and the ball touches the ground or another player before being recovered. The opposing team is awarded a scrum at the point of the knock-on.

Correct: D. A phase of play where at least one player from each team is in contact over the ball on the ground

A ruck forms when the ball is on the ground and at least one player from each team is bound over it. Players may not handle the ball in a ruck - only their feet can be used to hook the ball back. The team that wins the ruck gains possession.

Correct: D. Richie McCaw

Richie McCaw is most commonly cited as the greatest rugby player of all time. He captained New Zealand to back-to-back World Cups, won three World Rugby Player of the Year awards, and set the record for most Test appearances as captain. Dan Carter and Jonah Lomu are also frequently cited.

Correct: A. An annual international rugby union competition between Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Argentina

The Rugby Championship is an annual international rugby union competition between Australia (Wallabies), New Zealand (All Blacks), South Africa (Springboks), and Argentina (Pumas). It replaced the Tri Nations when Argentina was added in 2012.

Correct: B. The front row player in the middle of the scrum who hooks the ball with their feet at scrum time

The hooker wears the number 2 jersey and is positioned in the centre of the front row at scrums. Their primary role at scrum time is to hook the ball backward with their feet when the ball is put in. They also throw the ball into lineouts.

Correct: B. A New Zealand winger who dominated the 1995 World Cup and transformed rugby's global profile

Jonah Lomu was a New Zealand winger who became rugby's first global superstar. At the 1995 World Cup he scored 8 tries and his performances - particularly against England where he ran through multiple defenders - introduced rugby to a global audience. He died in 2015 aged 40.

Correct: C. Scrum-half

The number 9 jersey is worn by the scrum-half - the link between the forwards and backs who distributes the ball from rucks, scrums, and mauls. The scrum-half is typically one of the fittest players on the team covering enormous distances during a match.

Correct: D. The oldest rugby trophy contested annually between England and Scotland

The Calcutta Cup is the trophy contested between England and Scotland in the Six Nations Championship - one of the oldest trophies in rugby. The cup was made from melted-down silver rupees by the Calcutta Rugby Club in 1878 when the club disbanded and was donated to the Rugby Football Union.

Correct: C. A 10-minute temporary suspension from the field of play

A yellow card in rugby union results in a 10-minute temporary suspension (sin bin) where the offending player must leave the field. Their team plays with 14 players during this period. Yellow cards are typically given for dangerous play, repeated infringements, or cynical fouling.

Correct: C. An international rugby sevens tournament series held in multiple countries throughout the season

World Rugby Sevens (also called the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series) is a series of international rugby sevens tournaments held in multiple countries throughout the season. Teams accumulate points across events with the overall winner crowned at the end of the series.

Correct: B. The back of the scrum who links forwards and backs

The number 8 plays at the back of the scrum - the position at the base where all three rows of the scrum meet. They can pick up the ball directly from the base of the scrum and have the option to carry the ball themselves or pass to the scrum-half.

Correct: B. The eight players (numbers 1-8) who contest set pieces and physical confrontations

The forwards are the eight players numbered 1-8 who form the scrum and contest lineouts. They typically do the physical heavy work - tackling, carrying, scrummaging - and include props, hooker, locks, flankers, and number 8.

Correct: B. A front row forward who provides stability and power in the scrum

The props are the two front row forwards on either side of the hooker in the scrum - the loosehead prop (number 1) on the left and the tighthead prop (number 3) on the right. They provide the scrummaging power and stability that holds the scrum together.

Correct: B. South Africa

South Africa won the 1995 Rugby World Cup defeating New Zealand 15-12 in extra time in Johannesburg. The tournament was their first major international rugby event following the end of apartheid. Nelson Mandela presenting the trophy to Springbok captain Francois Pienaar while wearing a Springbok jersey is one of sport's iconic moments.

Correct: A. A New Zealand fly-half considered the greatest ever in that position who won three World Rugby Player of the Year awards

Dan Carter is a New Zealand fly-half who played for the All Blacks from 2003 to 2015. He won three World Rugby Player of the Year awards, two Rugby World Cups, and scored a then-record 1,598 international points. He is considered the greatest fly-half in rugby history.

Correct: D. The two wings and the fullback

The back three consists of the left wing (11), right wing (14), and fullback (15). These are typically the most pacey players in the team responsible for finishing tries on the wings and the fullback providing last-line defence and counter-attacking from deep.

Correct: B. To act as the last line of defence and a counter-attacking weapon from deep

The fullback (number 15) typically plays deep behind the defensive line providing last-line defence against kicks and breaks. They also counter-attack with the ball in hand from deep positions. Modern fullbacks must excel at catching high balls, kicking, and running with the ball.

Correct: B. Ireland

Johnny Sexton represents Ireland and is considered one of the greatest fly-halves in Irish rugby history. He won four Six Nations championships, led Ireland to a first-ever series victory over New Zealand in 2022, and was World Rugby Player of the Year in 2018.

Correct: A. The seven players numbered 9-15 who handle the ball in open play

The backs are the seven players numbered 9-15 - scrum-half, fly-half, inside centre, outside centre, left wing, right wing, and fullback. They typically receive the ball from the forwards and create and finish scoring opportunities through running and kicking.

Correct: C. A kick for 2 points attempted after a try has been scored

After scoring a try the scoring team is awarded a conversion attempt - a place kick or drop kick from a point in line with where the try was grounded. A successful conversion scores 2 additional points giving a total of 7 for a converted try.

Correct: A. The springbok - a native South African antelope that became associated with national sporting identity and post-apartheid reconciliation

The Springbok is a native South African antelope that became the emblem of South African national sports teams. The Springbok jersey was historically associated with white South African identity and apartheid - Nelson Mandela's wearing of the Springbok jersey at the 1995 World Cup final was a deliberate gesture of national reconciliation.

Correct: B. A trophy contested annually between New Zealand and Australia

The Bledisloe Cup is contested annually between New Zealand (All Blacks) and Australia (Wallabies). New Zealand has dominated the trophy in recent decades retaining it continuously since 2003. The cup was donated by Lord Bledisloe - Governor-General of New Zealand - in 1931.

Correct: D. To link the fly-half to the wings by carrying the ball and creating try-scoring opportunities

The centres (inside centre number 12, outside centre number 13) play between the fly-half and the wings. They are among the most versatile players on the field required to tackle defenders, carry the ball into contact, pass to the wings, and sometimes kick.

Correct: D. When a defender brings a ball carrier to the ground within the laws of the game

A tackle in rugby union occurs when a defender brings the ball carrier to the ground or to their knees. Once tackled the ball carrier must release the ball immediately and the tackler must release the player and roll away - creating the contest for the ball that follows every tackle.

Correct: C. An Irish centre considered the greatest Irish player of all time and one of the best centres ever

Brian O'Driscoll is an Irish centre who played for Leinster and Ireland from 1999 to 2014. He won four Heineken Cups with Leinster, captained the Lions, and is considered the greatest Irish player of all time as well as one of the greatest centres in rugby history.

Correct: A. The annual Oxford vs Cambridge University rugby match played at Twickenham

The Varsity Match is the annual rugby union match between Oxford University and Cambridge University played at Twickenham Stadium each December. It is one of the oldest rugby fixtures in the world having first been played in 1872.

Correct: C. A kick at goal worth 3 points awarded for various infringements including offside dangerous play and technical scrum violations

A penalty is awarded for various infringements including offside, dangerous play, holding on at the tackle, collapsing a scrum, and technical violations at set pieces. The non-offending team may kick at goal for 3 points, kick to touch for a lineout, or take a quick tap to continue play.

Correct: C. The top professional rugby union league in England featuring clubs such as Bath, Leicester, Harlequins, Saracens, and Exeter

The Premiership (now formally the Gallagher Premiership) is the top professional rugby union league in England. It features 10-13 clubs competing in a league format with the top clubs progressing to semi-finals and a final. Famous clubs include Leicester Tigers, Bath, Harlequins, Saracens, and Exeter Chiefs.

Correct: B. The first Black player to captain South Africa and lead them to two World Cup victories (2019 and 2023)

Siya Kolisi became the first Black captain of the South African Springboks and led them to Rugby World Cup victories in both 2019 (defeating England) and 2023 (defeating New Zealand). His personal story - growing up in poverty in Port Elizabeth - and his captaincy of the Springboks is considered one of sport's great stories.

Correct: B. The top professional rugby union league in France featuring clubs like Toulouse, Stade Franais, Clermont, and Racing 92

The Top 14 is the top professional rugby union league in France featuring 14 clubs competing in a round-robin format followed by knockout semi-finals and a final. Stade Toulousain (Toulouse) have been the most successful club with multiple domestic and European titles.

Correct: B. Fullback

The number 15 jersey is worn by the fullback - the last line of defence and increasingly an attacking counter-running threat from deep positions. The fullback must be excellent at catching high balls, kicking for territory, and running with the ball in hand.

Correct: C. A last-ditch tackle that prevents an almost-certain try being scored - celebrated as an exceptional defensive act

A try-saving tackle occurs when a defender stops a ball carrier who was on the verge of scoring a try. It is celebrated in rugby because it requires exceptional speed, technique, and courage to prevent what appeared to be a certain score. Famous try-saving tackles are among rugby's most memorable moments.

Correct: B. A French scrum-half considered the best player in the world in the early 2020s who helped France become a leading rugby nation

Antoine Dupont is a French scrum-half who has been the dominant player in world rugby in the early 2020s. He won the World Rugby Player of the Year in 2021, is widely considered the best scrum-half in history, and led France to significan't improvements in international results.

Correct: C. The 1995 victory when Nelson Mandela presented the trophy to Francois Pienaar wearing a Springbok jersey

The 1995 Rugby World Cup victory is the most politically significan't because it was South Africa's first major international sporting event post-apartheid. Nelson Mandela presenting the trophy while wearing the Springbok jersey and number 6 cap of captain Francois Pienaar became one of sport's most powerful images of reconciliation.

Correct: C. Les Bleus

The France national rugby union team is commonly called Les Bleus (The Blues) after their traditional blue jerseys. They are also referred to as Le XV de France (The XV of France). France has been one of the world's leading rugby nations throughout the sport's history.

Correct: B. To retrieve the ball from the back of the scrum and distribute it to backs or forwards

At the base of the scrum the scrum-half waits for the ball to emerge from the back of the scrum - typically under the feet of the number 8. They then pass the ball quickly to the fly-half or carry themselves. The scrum-half must also defend against opposition scrum-half attacks on the near side.

Correct: C. The restart of play at the beginning of each half and after a score using a drop kick from the centre of the field

A kick-off restarts play at the beginning of each half and after a score using a drop kick from the centre of the field. The ball must travel at least 10 metres forward and the kicking team must also be behind the ball when it is kicked.

Correct: B. To play on the flanks using pace and finishing ability to score tries from opportunities created by centres and backs

Wingers (numbers 11 and 14) play on the flanks of the backline and are typically the team's fastest players. Their primary role is to finish try-scoring opportunities created by the centres and fly-half though modern wingers must also defend, kick, and contribute to the forward effort.

Correct: C. An English lock and captain who led England to their 2003 Rugby World Cup victory - considered the greatest English rugby player ever

Martin Johnson captained England to their 2003 Rugby World Cup victory - the only northern hemisphere nation to win the tournament. He was also the only player to captain two Lions tours (1997 and 2001). As a lock his imposing physical presence and leadership were fundamental to England's dominance in the early 2000s.

Correct: D. Japan defeating South Africa

Japan's 34-32 victory over South Africa at the 2015 Rugby World Cup in Brighton is widely considered the greatest upset in rugby history. Japan won with a try in the final moments despite South Africa having led throughout and being massive favourites.

Correct: D. 15

A rugby union team fields 15 players on the pitch. The team is divided into forwards numbered 1 to 8 who contest scrums and lineouts and backs numbered 9 to 15 who handle the ball in open play.

Correct: A. Rugby

A scrum is a method of restarting play in rugby union and rugby league. In rugby union eight forwards from each team bind together and push against each other while the scrum-half feeds the ball into the tunnel between the two packs.

Correct: C. An annual rugby union competition between six European nations

The Six Nations Championship is an annual rugby union competition contested between England France Ireland Italy Scotland and Wales. It evolved from the Home Nations Championship which began in 1883 and expanded to include France in 1910 and Italy in 2000.

Correct: A. A ten-minute temporary suspension where a player must leave the field

The sin bin in rugby union is a temporary suspension for a player shown a yellow card. The player leaves the field for ten minutes while the team continues with one fewer player.

Correct: A. New Zealand

The All Blacks is the national rugby union team of New Zealand. They are named for their iconic all-black playing kit.

Correct: B. Winning all five matches in the tournament

A Grand Slam in the Six Nations Championship means winning all five matches against the other five nations. It is the most prestigious achievement in the tournament. England Ireland France Wales Scotland and occasional others have achieved Grand Slams.

Correct: C. A method of restarting play when the ball goes into touch with forwards lifting jumpers

A lineout is used to restart play after the ball goes into touch (out of bounds). Two lines of forwards from each team stand parallel to the touchline and one team throws the ball in. Players are often lifted by teammates to contest for the ball.

Correct: D. 3

A drop goal in rugby union scores three points and is achieved by a player dropping the ball and kicking it through the posts as it rebounds from the ground. It can be attempted from anywhere on the field during open play.

Correct: B. New Zealand

Jonah Lomu was a New Zealand All Blacks winger who became the first global superstar of rugby union. Standing 1.96 metres tall and weighing 119 kilograms he combined exceptional pace with extraordinary power.