July 2023 Rugby Archive: Rules, Growth, Streaming and Game Formats

Welcome to our July 2023 roundup! This month we broke down a fresh rule, looked at rugby’s rise in Italy, shared free ways to catch the Six Nations, and compared sevens with the traditional 15‑a‑side game. Whether you’re a player, a fan, or just curious, you’ll find something useful here.

Key Rules & Strategies

First up, the 40‑20 rule. It’s a simple but powerful tactic in rugby league. If you’re inside your own 40‑meter zone and line a kick that lands in touch inside the opponent’s 20‑meter zone, you keep the ball and get a scrum‑like advantage. That means a well‑timed boot can flip the field and give you attacking momentum without a turnover. Coaches love it because it rewards precision and keeps defenses honest.

Want to try it in practice? Start by marking the 40‑meter line on your training field, then have a kicker aim for a target zone between the 80‑meter line and the opponent’s try line. Track success rates and watch how quickly your team starts to anticipate the kick.

Global Rugby Trends

Italy’s rugby scene is heating up. Football still dominates, but more clubs are forming, youth programs are expanding, and TV coverage is improving. People are drawn to rugby’s camaraderie and physical challenge, and cities like Milan and Rome are now seeing regular weekend matches. If you’re Italian or just planning a trip, checking out a local club game can give you a taste of this growing community.

On the streaming front, the Six Nations is free to watch if you know where to look. In the UK, BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub broadcast live without a subscription. French fans can tune into France 2, and a reliable VPN lets you access these services from anywhere. Just make sure the VPN server matches the country’s region, and you’re set for the next matchday.

Lastly, let’s talk sevens versus regular rugby. Sevens is all about speed: seven players per side, two seven‑minute halves, and a focus on open‑field running. Scoring is the same, but you’ll see higher scores because there’s more space. One quirky rule – conversions must be drop‑kicked, not place‑kicked – adds a skill twist. Regular 15‑a‑side rugby, with 40‑minute halves, leans more on set‑piece strategy and tactical kicking. If you’re new to the sport, try watching a sevens tournament first; the fast pace makes the basics easy to grasp.

That’s the July snapshot: a rule that can change a game, a country where rugby is catching fire, free ways to watch the Six Nations, and a clear look at how sevens differs from the classic format. Keep these tips in mind the next time you’re on the pitch or in front of the screen – they’ll help you enjoy the sport even more.

Got a question about any of these topics? Drop a comment or swing by Linlithgow Rugby Club’s forum. We love hearing from fellow rugby fans and are always ready to share more insights.

What is the 40-20 rule in the rugby league?

by Darius Hawthorne
30 July 2023
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Hey there, my sports fanatics! Let's dive into a quick yet fascinating lesson about the 40-20 rule in rugby league, shall we? In a nutshell, the 40-20 rule is like a secret weapon of the game! If a team, while inside their own 40-meter zone, kicks the ball into touch within the opponent's 20-meter zone, they get to keep possession! It's like a magic trick that turns the game on its head! Can you believe it? Just when you think you're backed against the wall, bam! You turn the tables with a well-placed kick! Keep that in mind next time you're watching or playing, it's a game-changer!

How popular is Rugby in Italy?

by Darius Hawthorne
27 July 2023
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Rugby in Italy is really starting to gain traction. While it may not be as popular as football, it's certainly carving out a niche of its own. More and more Italians are getting involved, both as players and fans. Many are drawn to the camaraderie and physicality of the sport. So, while it's not yet mainstream, rugby's popularity in Italy is undeniably on the rise.

How can I watch Six Nations Rugby live stream for free?

by Darius Hawthorne
23 July 2023
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If you're a fan of Six Nations Rugby like me and want to watch it live for free, you're in luck. There are several options available online that require no subscriptions or payments. Websites such as BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub in the UK, and France 2 in France offer free live streaming, but they may require a VPN if you are outside these regions. Additionally, some sports forums and Reddit threads may share links to free live streams. Always remember to use these services responsibly and ensure they are legal in your area.

What is the difference between sevens rugby and regular rugby?

by Darius Hawthorne
18 July 2023
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In my exploration of rugby, I've found that sevens rugby and regular rugby, while similar, have key differences. Sevens rugby is a faster, shorter game with only seven players per team, as opposed to the 15 in regular rugby. This version is played in two seven-minute halves, much shorter than the 40-minute halves in regular rugby. Interestingly, scoring is the same in both, but sevens rugby often results in higher scores due to the open field. Lastly, in sevens rugby, conversions must be drop-kicked, adding an extra challenge compared to regular rugby where place kicking is allowed.