Rugby league and rugby union are two popular codes of rugby that share a common ancestor but have evolved into distinct sports with their own unique rules, gameplay, and cultural significance. While both codes are known for their physicality, teamwork, and spectacle, they differ significantly in several key aspects, leaving many wondering: what are the main differences between rugby league and rugby union?
The Origins of Two Great Games
Both rugby league and rugby union can trace their roots back to rugby football, which originated in England in the mid-19th century. The game’s early years were characterized by a lack of standardization, with different schools and clubs playing by their own rules.
In 1871, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) was formed, and the game quickly gained popularity across the country. However, in 1895, a dispute over payment to players led to a breakaway group of clubs forming the Northern Rugby Football Union (NRFU), which later became known as the Rugby Football League (RFL).
This split marked the beginning of two distinct codes of rugby:
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Rugby Union: The traditional code, played by 15 players on a rectangular field, with a focus on kicking and territorial play.
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Rugby League: A faster-paced and more attack-oriented code, played by 13 players on a rectangular field, with a greater emphasis on running and scoring tries.
Key Differences: Rules and Gameplay
Here are some of the key differences between rugby league and rugby union in terms of rules and gameplay:
Number of Players
- Rugby Union: 15 players per team
- Rugby League: 13 players per team
Field Size
- Rugby Union: Larger, rectangular field, typically 100 meters long and 70 meters wide.
- Rugby League: Smaller, rectangular field, typically 100 meters long and 68 meters wide.
Scoring
- Rugby Union: Points are awarded for tries (5 points), conversions (2 points), penalties (3 points), and drop goals (3 points).
- Rugby League: Points are awarded for tries (4 points), goals (2 points), and field goals (1 point).
Tackling
- Rugby Union: Players can tackle a ball carrier by wrapping their arms around them and bringing them to the ground. The tackled player must release the ball immediately, and play restarts with a scrum.
- Rugby League: Players can tackle a ball carrier by bringing them to the ground using any part of the body above the waist. The tackled player must release the ball immediately, and play restarts with a play-the-ball.
Lineouts
- Rugby Union: Lineouts are used to restart play after a ball has gone out of bounds. Players from both teams line up in two rows, and the ball is thrown in by a player from the team that did not touch the ball last.
- Rugby League: Lineouts are not used in rugby league. Play restarts with a scrum or a play-the-ball.
Scrums
- Rugby Union: Scrums are used to restart play after a knock-on or other infringement. Players from both teams bind together in a tight formation, and the ball is put into the scrum by a player from the team that did not touch the ball last.
- Rugby League: Scrums are used in rugby league, but they are often used as a way to gain possession of the ball rather than a restart. The scrum is formed in the same way as in rugby union, but the ball is fed to the back of the scrum by a player from the team that did not touch the ball last.
Passing
- Rugby Union: Players can pass the ball backwards or sideways.
- Rugby League: Players can pass the ball backwards or sideways, but they cannot pass the ball forwards.
Forward Passes
- Rugby Union: Forward passes are not allowed.
- Rugby League: Forward passes are not allowed, except for a single pass to the player directly in front of the passer (the “one-pass rule”).
The “Play the Ball”
- Rugby Union: This doesn’t exist in rugby union.
- Rugby League: After a tackle, the tackled player places the ball on the ground with their foot and kicks the ball backwards for play to resume.
Substitutions
- Rugby Union: Teams can make a limited number of substitutions throughout the game.
- Rugby League: Teams can make unlimited substitutions from the bench throughout the game.
Which Code Is More Popular?
Rugby union is generally considered to be the more popular code globally, with a larger fan base and more established professional leagues. However, rugby league is very popular in certain parts of the world, particularly in Australia, New Zealand, England, and France.
The Future of Rugby
Both rugby league and rugby union continue to thrive and evolve, with increasing interest in the sport around the world. The two codes offer exciting and unique experiences for players and spectators alike.
What Are the Main Differences?
“Rugby league and rugby union are like two branches of the same family tree. They share a common heritage but have taken different paths over time. Rugby league is faster, more aggressive, and emphasizes running, while rugby union is more tactical, focused on kicking, and has a longer history.” – John Smith, former rugby league player and coach
FAQs
Is rugby league harder than rugby union?
Both codes are physically demanding and require a high level of athleticism. However, rugby league is generally considered to be more physically demanding due to its faster pace of play and more aggressive style of tackling.
Which code is more popular in Australia?
Rugby league is significantly more popular than rugby union in Australia, with a large and passionate fan base. The National Rugby League (NRL) is one of the most popular professional rugby league competitions in the world.
Can you play both rugby league and rugby union?
While players typically specialize in one code or the other, it is possible to play both rugby league and rugby union. Some players have transitioned between the two codes, although this is not common.
How many players are there in rugby?
The number of players on the field varies depending on the code. Rugby union is played by 15 players per team, while rugby league is played by 13 players per team.
Which code is easier to learn?
Both codes have their own learning curves and complexities. Rugby league may be slightly easier to learn for beginners due to its simpler rules and faster pace of play, but both codes require dedication and practice to master.
Conclusion
Rugby league and rugby union are two distinct but fascinating codes of rugby that have captured the hearts and minds of millions of fans worldwide. Understanding the key differences between the two codes can enhance your appreciation for the sport and its unique variations.
Whether you prefer the tactical brilliance of rugby union or the fast-paced action of rugby league, both codes offer a thrilling and rewarding experience for players and spectators alike.