Rugby Union is a sport full of exception rules and unique scoring situations, one of which is the penalty try. A penalty try in rugby union is awarded when a team's try is denied due to the foul play of the opposing team. This article will delve into the nuances of scoring a penalty try, the conditions under which it can be awarded, and its impact on the game.

Penalty Try Overview

A penalty try is a significant event in rugby union, often seen as a recognition of unfair practice by the opposing team. Unlike a regular try, a penalty try is not scored by the team; rather, it is awarded by the referee to the attacking team if it is deemed that the defending team's infringement would have at least likely prevented the try.

Denial of a Try

The acceptance of a penalty try is based on the judgment of the referee. The referee must believe that a probable try would have been scored had it not been for some form of foul play by the opposing team. This can include actions such as a high tackle, deliberate knock-on, or other deliberate infringements.

Location of the Try

When a penalty try is awarded, it is scored at the exact location where the infringement occurred. Unlike a conventional try, the team that receives the award is credited with five points, and this stands as a unique feature of penalty tries.

Conversion

Following the award of a penalty try, the attacking team has the opportunity to attempt a conversion kick, which is worth an additional two points. However, the conversion is taken from a spot directly in line with where the try was awarded, making it easier to score.

Referees' Discretion

The decision to award a penalty try lies solely with the referee. The referee's assessment must be thorough and objective, ensuring that the defending team's actions are clearly disruptive to the attacking team's progress towards scoring a try.

Common Offenses Leading to Penalty Try

The most common scenarios leading to a penalty try in rugby union include situations where the defending team repeatedly collapses the scrum or deliberately collapses a maul from a line out. These actions are often accompanied by yellow cards for the responsible player or players, as outlined by IRB Law 8 scoring.

Law 8.1 asserts that a penalty try is awarded if the opposing team commits a penalty offence, preventing the attacking team from scoring a try or a more advantageous position. Typically, the referee will issue a verbal warning to the defending team during the first and second offense, with the penalty try being awarded only on the third infringement.

Changes in 2023

As of 2023, the rules for awarding penalty tries have been updated to simplify the process. Now, if a penalty try is awarded, the conversion is also awarded, making it worth a total of seven points. This change eliminates the need for a separate conversion attempt, further highlighting the severity and importance of the penalty try.

Conclusion

In summary, a penalty try is a significant decision that reflects the referee's judgment on whether a team was unfairly prevented from scoring due to the actions of the opposition. It's a critical part of the game, often serving as a powerful deterrent against foul play and ensuring fair play in rugby union.