In rugby union, how many points is a try worth under the modern laws?

In rugby union, a try is worth five points under the modern laws.

A try is scored when an attacking player is first to ground the ball in the opponents’ in-goal area. The scoring team then receives a conversion kick, which is worth two additional points if successful. Because a try and conversion are separate scoring events, a converted try produces seven points.

The value of a try has changed over rugby’s history. Early rugby scoring systems placed much greater emphasis on goals, while tries initially helped earn an opportunity to attempt a kick. The modern five-point value was established internationally in the late twentieth century, making tries the main source of points in contemporary rugby union.

A try must involve downward pressure on the ball in the in-goal area; merely carrying the ball over the goal line is not enough. A referee may refer grounding or control to the television match official in professional matches. The try is also the sport’s clearest distinction from many football codes, because possession must be grounded rather than simply carried across a line.