Rugby term
Conversion
Definition
A conversion is the kick at goal a team gets after scoring a try, worth 2 points if the ball goes between the posts and over the crossbar.
How a conversion works
After a try is scored, the scoring team gets a kick at goal. This is the conversion. If the ball goes over the crossbar and between the posts, the team adds 2 points to the 5 for the try (Law 8).
The kicker can use a place kick, usually off a kicking tee, or a drop kick (Law 8). Under a global law trial, the kick must be taken within 60 seconds of the try being awarded (Law 8).
Where the conversion is taken from
The kick is taken in the field of play, anywhere on a line through the place where the try was awarded, parallel to the touchlines (Law 8). The kicker chooses how far back to go along that line.
This is why players try to ground the ball near the posts. A try scored under the posts leaves an easy kick from in front. A try scored in the corner leaves a kick from out wide, which is much harder.
When defenders can charge the kick
All defending players must retire to their try line and stay behind it until the kicker moves in any direction to begin the approach. Once the kicker has settled, the next step or lift of a foot counts as the start. The defenders can then rush out to charge or jump at the kick, but team-mates must not lift or support them (Law 8).
What the officials do and signal
The two assistant referees or touch judges stand behind the posts and raise their flags if the kick is successful (Law 6). If there is doubt and a TMO has been appointed, the TMO can check the replay (Law 6).
The ball is dead once the conversion has been attempted. The referee does not blow the whistle after a missed conversion (Law 6).
What happens next
Play restarts with a drop kick from the centre of the halfway line, taken by the team that conceded the try (Law 12). If the try was scored just before time ran out, the referee allows time for the conversion (Law 5). The scoring team can also decline the kick by telling the referee "no kick" after the try is awarded (Law 5).
Referee signal
Common questions
How many points is a conversion in rugby?
A successful conversion is worth 2 points, so a converted try is worth 7 points in total (Law 8).
Where is a conversion taken from in rugby?
From anywhere on a line through the place where the try was awarded, parallel to the touchlines. The kicker decides how far back along that line to take it (Law 8).
Can the defending team charge down a conversion?
Yes. Defenders must stay behind their try line until the kicker moves to begin the approach. After that they can charge the kick (Law 8).
Does a conversion count if it hits the post?
Yes, as long as the ball then goes over the crossbar and between the posts. A goal only fails if the ball first touches a team-mate of the kicker or the ground (Law 8).
Does a team have to take a conversion?
No. The team can decline it by telling the referee "no kick" after the try is awarded (Law 5).
Updated