In rugby union, how many points is a try worth?

In rugby union, a try is worth 5 points. A team scores one by grounding the ball under control in the opposition’s in-goal area, beyond or on the try line and before the dead-ball line.

The try is rugby union’s main method of scoring, but it does not end the scoring opportunity. Afterward, the attacking team receives a conversion attempt worth 2 additional points. A successful try followed by a successful conversion therefore produces 7 points. The kicker takes the conversion from a line aligned with where the try was grounded, so players often aim to score near the middle of the in-goal area.

Other rugby union scores include penalty goals and drop goals, each worth 3 points. This differs from rugby league, where a standard try is worth 4 points, a common source of confusion between the two codes.

The value has changed throughout rugby history. Early tries mainly gave players a chance to attempt a kick at goal and carried no direct points. Rugby union tries became worth 4 points in 1971 and rose to their current 5-point value in 1992.