<P> In rugby union, the value of a try has varied over time, from none to five points . In rugby league, the original value was three; this was increased to four in 1983 . </P> <P> The Welsh Rugby Union is planning to trial a change in the scoring value in the 2015--16 Welsh Premier Division (the level below Pro12). Under the trial plan, which must still be approved by World Rugby, a try would be worth six points instead of five, with penalty tries worth eight points with no conversion attempt taken . In addition, penalties and drop goals would be reduced from three points to two . </P> <P> In both rugby league and rugby union, if the referee believes that a try has been prevented by the defending team's misconduct, he may award the attacking team a penalty try . Penalty tries are always awarded under the posts regardless of where the offence took place . In rugby union, the standard applied by the referee is that a try "probably" would have been scored . The referee does not have to be certain a try would have been scored . In rugby league, the referee "may award a penalty try if, in his opinion, a try would have been scored but for the unfair play of the defending team". </P> <P> In rugby league, an 8 - point try is awarded if the defending team commits an act of foul play as the ball is being grounded . The try is awarded, and is followed by a conversion attempt, in - line from where the try was scored, and then a penalty kick from in front of the posts . In rugby union, foul play after a try being scored results in a penalty being awarded on the half way mark, in lieu of a kick off . </P>

When is a penalty try awarded in rugby