Rugby Facts: Quick Guides to Rules, Salaries, and Global Growth

Ever wonder what makes rugby so thrilling? You’re not alone. Whether you’re a total newcomer or a casual fan, knowing a few solid facts can turn a confusing match into pure excitement. Below you’ll find the most useful nuggets – from the core rules you need to follow, to how much pro players earn, and why the sport is booming in places like Brazil.

Five Simple Rules That Keep Rugby Rolling

Rugby looks chaotic, but it runs on five easy principles. First, the ball must be passed – and only backwards. Second, you can run forward with the ball, but you can’t throw it forward. Third, tackles happen below the shoulders – high hits are illegal. Fourth, after a tackle, the ball carrier must release the ball so both teams can contest it. Finally, a try scores five points when you ground the ball in the opponent’s in‑goal area, and a conversion adds two more if the kick goes through the posts. Stick to these basics, and you’ll follow most of the action without getting lost.

How Much Do Pro Rugby Players Earn?

Money in rugby varies a lot. In the top European leagues, elite players can pull six‑figure salaries, especially in France’s Top 14 or England’s Premiership. The average pro in the English Premiership makes around £150,000 a year, while in the United States Major League Rugby most players earn between $30,000 and $70,000. Outside the top tier, many athletes juggle day jobs or short contracts. The key takeaway? Rugby can be lucrative, but most players still rely on passion and community support.

If you’re curious about specific numbers, the latest 2025 reports show that the highest‑earning player in the Premiership earns roughly £500,000 plus bonuses. Meanwhile, club-level players in the Welsh Premiership often earn under £40,000. Those figures help explain why many players are eager for international caps – they bring extra match fees and sponsorship deals.

Rugby’s Surprising Rise in Brazil

Brazil isn’t just about football. Over the past decade, rugby has carved a niche thanks to school programs and the national team’s World Cup appearances. The sport’s growth is driven by its fast‑paced, physical nature, which appeals to young athletes looking for something different. Grassroots clubs now exist in every major city, and the national side, the "Tupis," regularly competes in South American championships.

One fun fact: Brazil’s rugby union saw a 70% increase in registered players between 2018 and 2023. That surge is backed by government funding for Olympic sports, as rugby sevens became an Olympic event in 2016. If you’re watching a match and hear Portuguese chants, you’re likely seeing Brazil’s enthusiastic support.

Where to Watch Rugby Internationals in 2025

Finding a live stream can be tricky, but the good news is there are solid options. In the UK, BBC One and ITV cover the Six Nations and Autumn Internationals. For streaming, the Premier Sports app offers a full slate of test matches, while Amazon Prime Video has the rights to many Southern Hemisphere games. If you’re outside the UK, platforms like RugbyPass and the official World Rugby app provide affordable pay‑per‑view packages.

Pro tip: set a reminder for the kickoff and have a quick snack ready – the action never stops, and a good viewer experience is all about being prepared.

Now you’ve got the essentials: the five core rules, a snapshot of player salaries, why Brazil’s falling in love with rugby, and the best ways to watch live games. Keep these facts handy, and you’ll feel right at home the next time you tune in. Enjoy the sport, and maybe even give it a try yourself – rugby’s a community as much as a game.