Rugby league is one of two distinct codes of rugby football. Its clearest differences from rugby union are the standard team size and what happens after a tackle: league has 13 players per side and restarts with a play-the-ball, while union has 15 and uses contestable breakdowns such as rucks and mauls.
What is rugby league?
Rugby league is a code of rugby football with its own laws, separate from rugby union. The two games share a family resemblance and many basic skills, but their rules are not interchangeable. The easiest shorthand for league is 13 players, a tackle count and a play-the-ball restart.
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The 13-player description refers to the international 13-a-side game. Competitions, age groups and other forms can have variations, so consult the rules for the specific level you are watching or playing. Play Rugby League distinguishes its international 13s+ laws from junior and other forms in its International (13s+) laws resource.
What is the difference between rugby league and rugby union?
| Feature | Rugby league | Rugby union |
|---|---|---|
| Standard team size | 13 players in the international 13-a-side game. | 15 players in the standard game. |
| After a tackle | Play restarts with a play-the-ball; possession follows a tackle count and its specified outcomes. | The tackled player and tacklers have duties to release and make the ball available. Players can contest possession, and a ruck may form. |
| Possession pattern | A finite set of tackles gives the attacking team a structured opportunity before a handover or another outcome specified by the laws. | Play can continue through phases, with possession contested at breakdowns under the laws. |
| Breakdowns and set pieces | The play-the-ball is a defining restart. The international laws also include scrums, but their role differs from union. | Rucks, mauls, scrums and lineouts are core phases or restarts. |
This is a code-level overview, not a substitute for a particular competition’s laws. World Rugby publishes laws, variations and clarifications, while international rugby league has its own law reference. Check the relevant source for the competition and level: World Rugby’s laws hub, the 2025 World Rugby law book, or the International Rugby League laws reference.
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What happens after a tackle?
In rugby league: the play-the-ball and tackle count
After a tackle, league generally restarts with the tackled player playing the ball back. The attacking side continues through a finite tackle set; a handover or another outcome specified by the laws can follow. The exact counting and outcomes depend on the applicable competition laws, so the shorthand should not be treated as a complete rulebook.
In rugby union: a contest at the breakdown
In union, the tackle leads into a different kind of contest. The tackled player and tacklers must meet their release and ball-availability duties. Other players can contest the ball, and a ruck can form. Union also uses mauls and lineouts, making breakdown and set-piece play more central to how phases develop.
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World Rugby describes the aim of its tackle law this way: “The actions of players involved in the tackle must ensure a fair contest and allow the ball to be available for play immediately.” That principle is from World Rugby Law 14; it is not a rule to apply to league.
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How many players are in rugby league?
The international 13-a-side rugby league game has 13 players per team. Standard rugby union has 15. These figures identify the standard forms, not every youth, modified or competition-specific version. Use the relevant competition lawbook when the exact rules matter.
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- AS TOUGH AS YOU: Thanks to its proprietary hydratec technical fabrics and waterproof laminations, the Gilbert rugby ball handles even the roughest conditions, enhancing the life and performance of the ball. Gilbert knows what it takes to produce top quality youth rugby, and adult rugby balls, that will last multiple seasons of heavy use.
- PREMIUM CONSTRUCTION: Preparing for a rugby game is serious business. Our size 5 rugby ball, as well as our size 3 and 4 size rugby ball for kids, feature a 3-ply poly-cotton and cotton laminate panels. This means that our balls will weigh slightly more, perform better on longer kicks and passes, and generally hold its shape better than a ball of 2-ply construction.
- HAND-STITCHED: In addition to our superior triangular grip pattern, and 3 ply poly cotton panels, all Gilbert rugby balls are hand stitched for durability. Pull it out of your rugby bag and trust that It's tough as nails. With over 20 years of experience, Gilbert is a trusted brand, making top-quality training equipment that stands up to the toughest challenges, making it the ultimate rugby game ball.
- EASY CARE: Prior to training or a match, use a soft cloth, light detergent, and warm water to remove dirt and residue from your rugby ball. All training/practice rugby balls and rugby game balls come deflated. Inflate them to 9.5 psi using a rugby pump, or any ball pump. Gilbert training balls are a great choice for any rugby team or player looking for an uncompromising, high-quality rugby ball.
What is a six-tackle set?
It is a common shorthand for the finite sequence of tackles through which a league team has its attacking possession. After the set, possession normally changes or another law-specified outcome applies. The exact tackle count and any exceptions should be checked in the rules for the competition; the shorthand is not a complete statement of every possession rule.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why did rugby league and rugby union become separate codes?
Rugby league emerged from a split with the Rugby Football Union in 1895 amid disputes over payments to players. The codes did not become permanently different in one instant: league’s laws continued to evolve after the split, including changes to player numbers and how tackles and restarts worked. Rugby League Record’s historical account describes the split and early rule developments.
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Which rules should a beginner remember?
- League: 13 players in the international 13-a-side game, a tackle count and a play-the-ball restart.
- Union: 15 players in the standard game, with contestable breakdowns, rucks, mauls and lineouts.
- For exact details: identify the code, competition and playing level; a rule in one code does not automatically apply to the other.
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