A try – this is the key way of scoring in both ways of playing the game, involving grounding the ball in the opposition’s goal area, similar to a touchdown in American football. The rules regarding tries differ a little bit, but they still offer the most points and are the major objective of scoring in the game. A try is awarded with 5 points in rugby union and 4 in league. A conversion after a try is always worth 2 points, allowing for the maximum of 7 points on a try for union and 6 for league.

Drop goal – this is also called a field goal, and is similar to American football, where the ball is kicked through the uprights and above the crossbar. In rugby, though, it is drop-kicked. In rugby union a drop goal is awarded with 3 points, compared to 1 point in rugby league.

Penalty goal – this happens in a penalty situation when the goal-kicker thinks he can complete a kick through the uprights. If he makes it, his team is awarded 3 points in rugby union or 2 points in rugby league. If he misses, play either continues or possession is awarded to the opposing team.