• Subbuteo Main page.

• Football Basic Rules 1947-75, 1976-2002 .

• Rugby Rules: 1950s; 1960s-80s (this page). Cricket Rules: 1950s; 1960s-80s

• Subbuteo Cricket - Page 1: Box Sets, Page 2: Accessories 

• Subbuteo Rugby - Page1: Box Sets, Page 2: Accessories, Page 3: Teams

• Subbuteo Football boxed editions

This was the third Subbuteo game sold throughout the golden age of the 1970s, alongside football and cricket. It is also the problem game. The one that doesn't work. It is a joke in the collecting community that rugby sets are always found in great condition, because they only got played with the once. 

Whilst the OO scale football and cricket sets are simply updated versions of Subbuteo's tried and tested earlier games, the OO rugby has little in common with the 1950s version. It arrived in the range at the end of the 1960s, much later than the football or cricket, and it is suggested that the invention of the "scrummer" played a big part in encouraging the production of this version. The game uses similar figures to the football game and the same flick-to-kick principle, which is the game's first problem. Obviously, the uneven bounce of a rugby ball makes kicking hazardous in the real game, and the same applies here. However, in Subbuteo rugby you also have to flick the ball to run with it. This can be extremely frustrating. It also brings other problems such as the player "carrying" the ball being much slower than any defender chasing him. This is clearly unrealistic. 

So countless Subbuteo devotees have produced "house" rules to try and make the game more playable. I'll give a few ideas at the end of the rules proper. What you can do is hit the ball in different places to control it. In table soccer, you hit the ball in different spots to control the angle of movement. Here you need to consider the speed of the ball as well. Hit the ball in the middle of the long side, and it is likely to run away from you. Hit it on the points, and it doesn't move very far.

Like most Subbuteo rulebooks, the rugby leaflet went through a couple of different editions, but with only minor changes. The original sets had a kicker with an adjustable base for different types of kick, but no kicking wedge. The kicking wedge arrived by the time of the 1971-72 rule book. The final version seems to be a 1978 booklet, which showed the increased team range on the back. This final version is the one featured here. This book also removed reference to the Display Edition in the seven-a-side rules, and features new pictures. The old illustrations featured heavyweight players, whereas the new ones featured the proper rugby figures. Although by 1978 the rugby figures seem to be replaced by standard heavyweights anyway, so perhaps this exercise was a little futile. At least the new illustration showed the correct distance on the line-out.

Rugby Rules.

INTRODUCTION

'Rugger' enthusiasts can now experience the thrills and excitement enjoyed by Subbuteo Table Soccer fans the world over. Here is a table-top Rugby game that incorporates every exciting feature of the real thing-either Rugby Union or Rugby League, and including the now popular 'Seven-a-Side'. Tries, conversions, scrummages, drop-kicks - they are all yours to play with Subbuteo Table Rugby. What is more, the game is based on the famous Subbuteo 'finger-tip' control principle familiar to all Subbuteo enthusiasts, which makes it a real game of skill based on live 'Rugger' tactics.

After months of research we completely re-designed Subbuteo Rugby and our Development Department produced what we believe to be the only real table-top 'rugger' game in existence. It is designed for fans of both codes - Union or League - and these comprehensive rules cover all the essentials of both. Enthusiasts will not require any direction from us as to how to make the minor adjustments involved, such as playing with either thirteen or fifteen figures, in order to enjoy the game they prefer.

Obviously, there are limits to what one can achieve in miniature on a table-top but we believe we have given you an action-packed replica of the great international game that will provide endless and fascinating pleasure for young and old. As with Subbuteo Table Soccer, it is necessary to master the 'finger-tip' control principle in order to acquire skill and get full enjoyment from the game. Therefore study the instructions carefully, practise regularly, then you will be able to teach all your friends how to play Subbuteo Table Top Rugby Union, Rugby League or Seven-a-Side.

THE SECRET OF SUCCESS-FINGER TIP CONTROL
Skill and fun go together and depend entirely on YOUR mastery of the exclusive Subbuteo 'finger-tip' method of propulsion of the Rugby figures. Study and practice the basic method as shown in Photos 'A' and 'B'. The figure is controlled and directed by a movement of the finger that puts the figure in contact with the ball and also to run the figures into tactical positions and moves.

Subbuteo Table Rugby is based on the unique design of the plastic bases carrying the figures. This principle enables the skilful player with practised touch to propel the figures in such a manner that they can 'weave' and 'swerve' and carry the ball along at their feet. When you have mastered the principle and are able to propel the ball in any direction by a movement of the finger, then practise 'spinning' the figures and 'weaving'. This cannot be learned in a few minutes, but patient practice will reward your efforts.

HOW TO "SPIN" THE FIGURE
The base of the figure should be propelled lightly with the hand held upright or on its side, according to position. To spin to the left you 'propel' the RIGHT side of the base. To spin to the right you 'propel' the LEFT side of the base. The Diagrams 1 and 2 show methods of application. The Black figure is yours. The White figure is your opponent. The dotted line shows your line of approach to the ball by the 'spin' method.

SETTING OUT THE GAME
The Subbuteo Table Rugby green baize marked-out Playing Pitch is a scale replica of the official Rugby pitch, specially woven to give the ideal playing surface. The game should be played on a table larger than the overall size of the cloth so that there is reasonable free space outside the playing lines. Best results will be obtained if the cloth is laid smoothly on top of a heavy table cloth or blanket to prevent slipping and wrinkling. The goals should be firmly inserted into the green goal bases and set up with the extended support flanges pointing backwards, off the pitch away from the 'in goal line. The teams should be set up in the conventional 15 (R.Union) or 13 (R.League) formation. The Live-Action Fullbacks should be placed between and just behind the goalposts. And you are ready to play. Scoring is as with live Rugby. (Please note that rugby scoring in both codes has changed since the 1970s)

POSITION OF THE GOALS
In order that the goal bases do not interfere with current play (scoring of tries, etc.) it is suggested that the goals be placed on the dead ball line, until they are required for conversion and penalty kicks. Then the goals should be temporarily brought forward to the normal Rugby position on the goal line.

SUBBUTEO TABLE RUGBY RULES
In conjunction with the Rules of Rugby (either code)

1. KICK OFF: The game is started by using the 'Live Action' Fullback Kicker to propel the ball from the centre spot into the opponents' half. The kicking off team then uses any of its player-figures to try and gain possession, provided the ball has crossed the 10 yard line (dotted line). If the ball fails to cross the 10 yard line, the opposing side have the option of the kick being re-taken, or a scrummage on the centre spot.
2. POSSESSION: Possession is obtained by flicking a player to touch and come to rest within two inches of the ball. Failure to contact allows the other side to attempt possession in the same way. Distance can be measured with the marked side of the KICKING WEDGE which is 2 inches long.
3. PASSING: The side in possession makes a pass as follows. Nearest figure to the ball is lifted and placed to the ball, without moving it, in the required position in relation to intended direction of the pass. The figure is flicked smartly against the ball as shown in Photos 'A' and 'B'. The ball must not finish nearer to the opposite goal line than its original position, otherwise this would be a forward pass and be penalised by a scrum. The player must warn 'Passing' before doing so to indicate his intention. After the ball is passed correctly, a figure lying farther back from the opposite goal line than the figure making the pass is flicked up to the ball to take possession, and so on. The figure must contact the ball and stay within two inches of it. If the ball is missed, the opposing side gains possession. If it touches the ball and it comes to rest more than two inches away this constitutes a 'knock-on' and a scrummage is awarded. The opposing team may decide not to accept a scrummage if it is not to their advantage, and choose to play on with possession of the ball.
4. THE SCRUMMAGE: Where an infringement occurs the 'SCRUMMER' should be placed on the pitch at that point. Three players from each side should be placed close to the 'Scrummer' and the remaining forwards to be formed up to the rear. The side awarded the scrum drops the ball through the top hole from a height of not less than one inch. Whichever side to which the ball emerges gains possession. If the ball comes out of either end, the scrum must be retaken. Failure to gain possession after three attempts results in the other side 'putting the ball in'.

The heavyweight illustration.	The later illustration.

5. TACKLING: On receiving a pass successfully a figure may "run with the ball" (i.e. flick the figure at the ball to 'dribble' it forward as in Soccer). The number of propelling flicks made during this operation are unlimited and will be directed towards the opposing goal line to touch down for a try. To counter this, the defenders may propel their figures, alternating flicks with the attackers, to block progress and put a figure between the attacker and the goal line. If the ball touches the defending figure when it is at a stand-still, a successful tackle has been made and the defence gains possession. During the 'running with the bail', the runner must at all times keep the ball in front of him and nearer to the opposite goal-line. When the runner finds he cannot progress further, and although not successfully tackled is blocked by the defence, he can declare 'Passing' as previously described and the game continues. A defending figure may not deliberately interfere with either ball or running figure. Should it do so the running player and the ball should be returned to their positions prior to the infringement and the run continued from there. Should this infringement occur twice during a run by the same player, a penalty kick is awarded. A player 'running with the ball' may not touch a stationary figure of the defence; if he does so it is deemed a successful tackle by the defence. An exception to this is under the rule of 'handing off' whereby a figure barred to the ball by a defending figure may claim 'handing off' and by spinning the figure as depicted swerve round the opponent and successfully contact the ball. Should he touch the opponent under these conditions it is not a successful tackle by the defence.
6. SCORING A TRY: A try is scored by a player flicking a figure to propel the ball to remain in his opponent's 'in goal' area. Any attacking players' figure which is on side must then be flicked to touch and come to rest within 2 inches of the ball in that area. A try is then awarded. But should the ball or the player figure finish outside the 'in goal' area a try is NOT allowed. Should a side succeed in getting the ball into the 'in goal' area but fail to flick the figure to it successfully, the opposing side may flick a figure at the ball to play it over the dead-ball line, clear it back to the field of play, or 'touch down' by flicking the player to touch and come to rest within 2 inches of the ball. Should they fall, the attack may again attempt to score and so on. If the ball is played over the dead-ball line by the attacking side or touched down by the defending side after being kicked into the 'in goal' area by the attacking side, a 25yard drop-out is taken. Lf the defending side plays the ball over the dead-ball line, or having kicked it into the dead-ball area, touches it down, a 5 yard scrum is awarded to the attacking side.
7. KICKING:
   1. Kicking to Gain Ground: To relieve pressure or gain ground the ball can be flicked forward with any figure, after which the other side attempts to gain possession. The exception to this is when the attacking side claims "KICKING" before the kick is taken, in which case this is done with the Kicking Wedge. A figure attempting to gain possession of a ball kicked forward by its own side, who was positioned In front of the ball at the time of the kick is 'offside' and a penalty is awarded.
   2. Use of the Kicking Wedge: The kicking wedge is used for attempts to drop goals, 25 yd drop cuts, and for kicks to gain ground within the players' own 25 yd area. The long sides are 2 in long, marked in quarter inches, and are used for measuring distances demanded by the rules. The wedge is used by positioning it on the pitch where this can be done without moving or touching any players. Except in the case of a 'mark' or 25 yd drop out, no alteration may be made to the position of the ball or any player, including the one taking the kick. For a 'mark' or 25 yd drop out position of ball and all players can be re-arranged. Kick is taken by flicking the figure to propel the ball up the slope of the wedge.
   3. DROP GOAL: The side in possession may claim "DROP KICK" in order to attempt to score with a drop kick for goal. This is taken with the Kicking Wedge in accordance with paragraph (b). There is no limit to number of drop kicks taken during the game.
   4. USE OF 'LIVE ACTION' FULLBACK KICKER: This is used for kicking off, penalty kicks, and converting only, as shown in Diagrams 'A' and 'B'. The 'Kicker' is positioned on either the centre spot, the point where an infringement occurred, or in the case of a conversion by withdrawing the ball from where it was touched down into a position parallel with the touchline. A goal is scored by kicking the ball over the crossbar within the uprights. There is no limit to the height at which the ball passes over the crossbar.
   5. Making a Mark: (Rugby Union only) - after the ball has been kicked by the opposing side, using either Wedge or 'Kicker', a player may make a mark if the ball touches that player and remains within two inches from him. The player making the mark then uses the Kicking Wedge.
   6. Kicking into Touch:
      (Rugby Union) -With the exception of penalty kicks when a lineout is taken at the point where the ball enters touch, the following rules apply.
      1. A kick from within a player's own 25 yd area directly or indirectly going into touch results in a lineout taken by the opposing side at the point where ball enters touch.
      2. A kick taken from outside a player's own 25 yd area, bouncing in the field of play before entering touch, results in a lineout by the opposing side where the ball entered touch. If the ball touches an opposing figure before entering touch, then the side taking the kick takes the lineout.
      3. A kick taken from outside a player's own 25 yd area which goes directly into touch results in a lineout taken by the opposing side on the touch line level with the point from which the ball was kicked. NB. (1) Kicks from a 25yd DROP OUT going straight into touch results in the opposition having a choice of either the kick being taken again, or a scrummage at the centre of the 25 yd line. N B. (2) When a kick is taken as the result of a 25 yd DROP OUT or MARK, the ball must cross the 25 yd line or the point where the mark was given. Failure to do so results in the opposition having the choice of either the kick being taken again (drop out only) or a scrummage where the kick was taken or mark given.

      (Rugby League)

      1. With the exception of a penalty kick, when the game is re-started by placing the ball ten yards infield opposite the point of entry into touch and regaining possession by use of a player figure, a kick going directly into touch results in a scrummage where the kick was taken.
      2. A ball kick which bounces within field of play before going into touch results in a scrummage, 10 yds infield opposite the point of entry into touch.
8. THROW-IN: (Rugby Union only) When the ball goes into touch in normal course of play, a throw-in is awarded to the opposing side. This is made by placing the ball on the base of the figure and tossing the ball into the lineout (see Photo 'D'). The figures must be lined up with a minimum of two inches between the opposing teams. The ball should bounce midway between the opposing forwards and must touch at least one player (of either side) before it is in play. The side whose player last touched the ball may then use any figure to attempt to gain possession. Should a player fail to get the ball into play after two attempts, opponents take over the throw-in.
9. OFFSIDE: A player who has run with the ball and then makes a pass is not immediately in an offside position until a colleague accepts the ball correctly; he is then in an offside position and must be flicked onside before any progress is made by the player accepting the pass. A player figure is brought onside by being moved and placed two inches nearer its own goal line than its colleague-parallel to the touchline.

The 1971-72 illustration.	The 1978 illustration.

SEVEN-A-SIDE RULES - The game is played in accordance with the official Rugby Laws as adapted for and covered by Subbuteo Table Rugby Rules.

The normal duration of Seven-a-Side Rugby is seven minutes each way, with a one minute half-time break. The playing formation is normally three forwards, one half-back, two three-quarters, and one full-back. The diagrams in the standard rules should be modified accordingly.

The playing pitch can be improvised with a thick smooth cloth or blanket spread over a table, on which the Rugby playing area can be chalked. The ideal playing surface is, of course, the special green baize marked out and printed, pitch supplied by Subbuteo Sports Games Ltd - under Reference RM.

"House Rules".

Subbuteo games in general have a history of rule changes and amendments (just ask any of the various table soccer associations). But rugby is the only one that really struggles to produce a playable simulation within the official rules. So the point of this section is to throw around a few ideas to try with that mint set sitting in the loft! 

What rugby does do better than football or cricket is allow tactical solo play (football has the problem of goalkeeping, whilst cricket is seriously tricky to play solo). So here are a few ideas that I've tried on my own in a slow thoughtful game. I'm not guaranteeing that they are brilliant, and feel free to e-mail alternatives to me. If you are lucky enough to have friends who don't think your Subbuteo obsession is nuts, then please feel free to send in rules for faster two player action..

Problem No.1. A player makes a clever dash up the field, but is finally blocked. He needs to pass, but all his team mates are standing unmoving way back down the field. 

Solution ideas. Attacking Support Flicks. 

• As the player without the ball gets defending flicks (as with football), so the attacker gets an attacking support flick, where he can flick a player into position after each flick at the ball. This can allow some great flowing moves, and overlaps. 
• If you find this rule gives too big an advantage to the attacker, you could allow the defending player a second defensive flick only if the attacking support flick is used. So the attacker has an option of support, but can decide not to play it if he thinks this will help the defence to tighten up.
• If all this slows down the game too much try this other suggestion. No attacking support flicks until a player declares "passing". He then gets two support flicks, which can be defended. This is similar to set pieces in football. 

Problem No.2. Defending players can run faster than the attacker, because he has to flick the ball. A forward bursting through the line in real rugby can score a breakaway try. In Subbuteo he vainly struggles to control the ball while a defending player can flick all the way across or down the pitch to make the tackle. 

Solution ideas. 

• The obvious solution is to not have the player in possession flicking the ball. The ball is removed, and the player runs without it (similar to the 1950s rugby game). Personally, I don't like this, as it makes the game less like Subbuteo, and removes some of the skill. It also speeds things up too much, and the attacker can now run the length of the field in one flick. Also, it suggests that tackling needs to be a contact thing, which isn't recommended (the figures aren't built to be flicked into each other at speed!!).
• The "running without the ball" game is discussed at the bottom of the page...
• If you like the flicking the ball method, you need to think of ways to slow down the defence or make it harder to track back.
• One solution is presented under the next problem....
• Another is to limit how far the defender can be flicked.

Problem No 3. Offside. Again, our clever attacker bursts through the opposing line. He gets tackled, but the defender has nobody to pass to because everybody is offside. A few possession changes later, and the players are all nicely mixed up. 

• The official rule about moving everybody back does work. But it is a bit slow, and the whole defence is back in position straight after a change in possession.
• Luckily, the field is sorted out each time play is stopped for an infringement (scrums, line-outs etc.)
• When using the attacking support flicks, a workable solution is that the attacking and defending flicks must be used first on any players in a potentially offside position, i.e. nearer the opposition goal than the ball. This gives attackers a little more time to control the ball, it also helps with the "fast defender" problem. If an attacker has broken through and is bumbling to the touchline, the defender can usually flick back a defender and then use a second flick to halt the forward. With this rule, if he flicks a player ahead of the attacker, he can't use it again whilst he has other offside players to deal with. So the first flick has to be accurate, and the attacker has time to skirt the now static defender. Once the attacker has gone past this defender, he can be used again.
• The down side to this rule is that full backs are less use than they should be.
• It also works better with 7-a-side than with the full size game. 

Rule Clarification. Possession. It isn't completely clear when the "two inch" rule applies. I read that you need to touch the ball and land within two inches to gain possession, but once you have possession you no longer need to keep within this distance (otherwise you'd never get anywhere). The "two inch" rule applies again when you are trying to score a try, and it is recommended that it also applies before you declare a pass. Otherwise you can flick the ball wildly downfield, and then declare a pass, which means you can pick up the player and place him near the ball. 

Problem No 4. Knock-on or kicking to gain ground. If a player is flicked at the ball, hits it forward and doesn't finish within two inches it is a knock on. However, you are allowed to do this under the "kicking to gain ground" rule. If you accept that the two inch rule doesn't apply when you are running with the ball, then how does this differ to kicking ahead anyhow? 

• Ouch, my head is beginning to hurt....
• Kicking to gain ground must be declared even when not using the wedge.
• Or just don't bother with knock-ons. Possession rightly switches after a kick anyway.

Problem No 5. Conversions and penalties are a doddle. I can score every time.

• Accept that the penalty kicker is a different scale, and make him take conversions from further back. Maybe from his own half?
• Accept that the kicker is Jonny Wilkinson.

Problem No 6. Scrums are fifty-fifty.

• How often do sides with the put-in lose a scrum these days? However, scrum invincibility is a tad dull. I suggest letting the put-in side also have control of the two side holes in the scrummer giving a 4 to 2 advantage. Simulating collapsed scrums is all well and good, but not really productive.
• It has been pointed out to me that clever use of the ball in the put-in can almost guarantee the ball falling out of your side of the scrummer. If you are happy doing this, then that's fine.

Problem No 7. There are way too many players clogging up the field.

• Too right! Start with seven-a-side on the full size pitch, and work upwards.

Problem No 8. I want rucks, I want mauls....

• Dream on sunshine. Or play rugby league instead.

Notes on playing Rugby League.

I enjoy watching this on the TV with my Uncle Fred. The modern game is built around the six tackle rule, and these tackles are used to gain ground.

• The player can deliberately run the ball into an opposing player. If the attacker and ball stay within two inches, then this is a tackle, and the defence have to move back 10 metres (a couple of inches?) If the ball rolls away more than two inches, then the attacker has lost control of the ball in the tackle, and the opposition are on their first tackle.
• There are no rucks or mauls to worry about, and the teams can be positioned after each tackle, so offside is less of a problem. In fact, this started me thinking about how to do an American Football sim.....

Notes on the alternate "running without the ball" game. 

This may work better with two players. When the player has flicked at the ball, and remained within two inches of it, he has caught the ball and is ready to run. At this point, the ball is removed from the pitch, and the appropriate player is marked to show that he is carrying the ball. A possible alternative to marking is to swap the player with a special ball carrier, say a player in the same kit but on a different colour base. 
Here's where the problems start. The wonderful curling ability of Subbuteo figures means that the runner usually has two or three openings in the defence through which the try line can be reached. It is all too easy to reach this in one flick. So he needs to be slowed down. Here are some options....

• Player can only run in his current quarter or into the next one. So you can only start a try scoring run from the final quarter.
• Obviously the player has to stop in the "in goal" area, not bomb through it!
• If the player touches a defender, he is tackled. I'd also suggest that he also loses possession of the ball. This is to discourage long risky runs. This might still not be enough with some of the accurate flicking I've seen table soccer players produce.

Tackling - With no ball in play, the tackles are going to have to hit the ball carrier. Simple blocking isn't enough to stop a runner. When the runner is not in motion, it is very simple to hit him, as the players are normally very close together. So if moves are consecutive, the runner would get tackled at the end of each run. At that point I'd suggest that the runner has to pass, and the ball is put back into play next to the figure. This is a point where two attacking and two defending flicks might work tactically. So the pass is made, and the recipient needs to be flicked onto the ball and land within two inches to catch the pass. At this point, the defence could get another defensive flick to cover the catch, but certainly the recipient has to be allowed a run before a tackle is permitted. Otherwise the attacker ends up going backwards under constant tackles. 

Then we get to tacking "in motion", which is how the 1950s game worked. The defender needs to flick a player to hit the attacker whilst he is actually running. The attacker can't be traveling too fast, because of the need to stop in the next zone. This might be the only way in which this version works, but is it really recommended with fragile playing pieces?

Problem No 9. I suddenly feel the need to put this rubbish game back in the loft, and play Subbuteo football....

• Not a bad idea frankly....