Scoring

Sets out how points are earned through tries, conversions, penalty kicks, and drop goals.

What it says

A try is worth 5 points and is scored by grounding the ball in the opposition's in-goal area. A successful conversion kick afterward adds 2 points, a penalty kick at goal is worth 3, and a drop goal during open play is also worth 3.

Why it exists

Different scoring methods reward different parts of the game. Straightforward tries reward attacking play and territory, while penalty and drop goals give a team a way to convert dominance or defensive discipline into points without needing to cross the try line. Weighting tries highest keeps attacking rugby the most valuable currency in the sport.

In practice

Conversions are taken from a spot in line with where the try was scored, which is why tries near the posts are easier to convert than ones scored near the touchline. A well-worked try wide out is still worth the full 5 points, but the extra 2 from the conversion becomes much harder to land.

Common confusions

A penalty try is a specific, separate outcome, awarded when foul play clearly prevents a probable try, and is worth the same 5 points without needing to be physically grounded, since the offending team's actions are what stopped it happening.

Last checked against the official law book: 2026-08-24