The main difference between rugby union and rugby league scoring is the number of points awarded for different plays.
Rugby Union Scoring:
- Try – Worth 5 points when a player grounds the ball in the opponent’s in-goal area.
- Conversion – Worth 2 points after a successful kick following a try.
- Penalty Kick – Worth 3 points when awarded for an infringement.
- Drop Goal – Worth 3 points when kicked through the posts during open play.
Rugby League Scoring:
- Try – Worth 4 points when the ball is grounded in the opponent’s in-goal area.
- Conversion – Worth 2 points after a successful kick following a try.
- Penalty Kick – Worth 2 points if successfully kicked for goal after an infringement.
- Drop Goal – Worth 1 point when scored in open play.
The key difference is that rugby union rewards tries with 5 points, while rugby league awards 4 points per try. Additionally, drop goals in rugby league are worth only 1 point, compared to 3 points in rugby union.