The regular BUCS Rugby League season has now concluded following the truimphs of Northumbria 1’s and Hull 1’s at BUCS Big Wednesday in Nottingham.
However, this does not mean that this is it for BUCS Rugby League, actually far from it. Don’t worry, you will not suffer from your rugby league withdrawal for too long.
There is soon to be a competition which will give more than your fair fix of league action. It is going to look a little bit different, however. You will not being seeing things by noticing there are only nine players on each team.
This is becasue the BUCS Rugby League 9’s Championships are returning. This handy article will remind you of the difference between 9’s and regular rugby league. It will also previewing an event which is one not to be missed.
Location and Date
The championship is taking place at the Victoria Park ASICS Stadium, in Warrington, on Wednesday 6th April. You can find a countdown to this event by clicking the link here.
Who is competing?
At the moment, the final list of accepted entries is yet to be announced. However, we are aware about the split between the Championship, and the Trophy competitions.
The Championship will involve teams from the BUCS Premier North and BUCS Premier South. This means it could include teams such as Northumbria 1’s, who completed the Premier North and National Championship double, and St Mary’s, champions of the Premier South.
The Trophy will include teams from Tier 1 and below, as well as new teams not placed within the league structure. Teams entered into the Championship will not be allowed to enter a second team. Teams such as Hull 1’s and Birmingham 1’s, the teams who contested the National Trophy Final, could compete in this competiton.
It seems obvious, but it needs to be addressed. The main difference with rugby league 9’s is that each side contains nine players, instead of the normal 13. However, this is certainly not the only difference. Listed below are a few of the key differences in the rules, so you know what’s going on whilst watching the action.
- Each match will be ten minutes long, and there will not be a half time. Unlimited substitutions are permitted throughout the match, with the game started with a kick from hands travelling more than 10 metres.
- There will be no scrums, with play restarted with a handover when a scrum would usually be formed.
- When the ball is in touch, play will start again from a point 20 metres in from touch opposite where the ball came into touch.
- All infringment restarts will start with a tap, apart from the 6th tackle handover, which will begin with a play the ball.
- After scoring a try, the team can choose to go for a powerplay, instead of attempting to convert the try. This will begin in line with where the try was scored, ten metres away, with a play the ball. The powerplay will end the moment the ball goes out of play, or the powerplay team infringes the other side. If the powerplay side is awarded a penalty, play will start again with a tap, with the powerplay active. If a try is scored, play will restart with a tap by the opposition on the halfway line.
- The points system is the same, with a powerplay try worth 3 points. A conversion can only be attempted through a drop-kick, and penalty kicks at goal are not permitted.
- When awarded a penalty, play will restart from where the infringement took place, with a kick for goal or touch not allowed