[6] The rugby union authorities issued sanctions against clubs, players and officials involved in the offshoot group, including amateurs who played with or against Northern Union sides. In rugby league, props are physically big, straight running forwards whose job it is to set the platform and get the go forward while still possessing agility and good ball handling skills. EDIT: Here is an example of some pro league clubs geographically. There was no equivalent law in rugby union, in the past going to ground with the ball and protecting it was practised, but in the modern game deliberately falling on the ground to gain an advantage is outlawed by Law 14: "The game is to be played by players who are on their feet. League is more popular then Union in the North of England, Australia and I suppose Papua New Guinea. The try is the main way of scoring in both codes; there are some subtle differences between the two codes, but the most obvious difference is that a try is worth 5 points in rugby union and 4 points in rugby league. In 1906, All Black George William Smith joined with Albert Henry Baskerville to form a team of professional rugby players. Dropping the ball in a forwards direction results in a scrum, a set-piece that restarts the game, except on the sixth tackle in league where the game restarts with a handover to the opposition. The Playing Field. Rugby League is the answer. A notable example is Leeds Rhinos and Yorkshire Carnegie, both part of the Leeds Rugby group, who share Headingley Stadium. [34] A study commissioned by the IRB found that between the years 2002 and 2004 possession was retained by the attacking team in 13 out of 14 tackles in rugby union. Legend has it that William Webb Ellis, whose name is now engraved into the Rugby World Cup trophy, picked up the ball and decided to run the length of the field. [8] In France rugby league split from rugby union in the 1930s. In league each team can be tackled six times before handing over possession; moreover, the action stops after each successful tackle (i.e., the ball is not contested after a tackle). Ireland's Tom Court has said "Rugby Union is a complex game with certain closed skills like scrummaging and line-out lifting and rugby league requires a higher level of fitness to compete at the highest level".[28]. A player must not make the ball unplayable by falling down." Use of a penalty box (or "sin bin") was introduced by rugby league in 1980. In 1943, a Northern Command army rugby league side defeated a Northern Command union side, 18–11, at Headingley under rugby union laws. The first season of the NSWRFL competition was played in 1908, and has continued to be played every year since. One of the main reasons for the split was union's enforcement of the amateur principle, meaning that working class players could not afford to take time off work to play the sport. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. Rugby League is light years ahead of Rugby Union in popularity in Australia. In 1948 the French instigated the formation of the International Rugby League Board as the world governing body for rugby league. However I’m watching highlights of the rugby league World Cup semi final and there is an extremely small attendance. This skilful and fast-moving game was established in 1907 by a group of leading Rugby Union players who were discontent with the New South Wales Rugby Union’s amateur ethos in not paying the players. Given League's longer time being professional I'm surprised it's not the more popular code. [51] In contrast, rugby league has traditionally been seen as a working class pursuit. An in-goal area extends six to eleven metres beyond each goal line. Collins, T. (2005). New Zealand, England, and Australia. In rugby union if the ball goes out of play the opposition may be awarded a. [48], Traditionally, the two rugbys have been seen as divided along class lines, with union associated more with the middle class, and league with the working class. The split happened in 1892, when Yorkshire clubs faced professionalism charges for compensating their players for missing work to come play rugby. [53] Support for both codes is concentrated in New South Wales, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory. With both sports becoming professional matches between union and league teams have been played. Rugby Union . Rugby union's first World Cup was held in 1987 and both are contested every four years. A big difference in gameplay between the two games is that rugby league has shed from its laws several opportunities for possession to be contested that rugby union has retained: contesting the ball after the tackle, on the ground in rucks and through mauls. Lines are also located 5 metres away from the goal line and touchline and 15 metres away from the touchline. Tripping with the leg is not allowed in either code. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, Press J to jump to the feed. Since the beginning, Rugby League was destined to rise in popularity at a fast pace. [42] For instance, props and hookers in rugby union tend to be among the physically strongest and heaviest players with high levels of scrummaging and mauling skills, but traditionally with limited speed and ball-handling skills. Players who play international rugby in both codes are known as dual-code internationals. 1. The New Zealand Rugby League was formed in 1909 and other provinces joined the league. In rugby union the attacking team may lose possession in a scrum, line out, maul, ruck or tackle. [60] Rugby Union in 2012 had 323,115 participants, including 50,000 registered juniors. Rugby League vs Rugby Union. [45] When rugby union became professional league players were allowed to play for rugby union teams, leading to a reversal in cross-code switching. [13][14], Since the 1895 schism, changes have taken place to the laws of both rugby union and rugby league football so that now they are distinct sports. After being tackled five times, the attacking team will usually kick the ball either in an attacking kick or for territory. Soon, however, the rules of rugby league were modified, resulting in two distinctly different forms of rugby. [19] In 2009 major law changes were implemented with the aim of making union simpler and more open. [3], Rugby union was originally referred to as rugby football. [35] Possession can also be contested following kicks to restart play from the halfway, 22 metre in both games (and from the goal line in league). However, in rugby league, if a tackling player has both hands on the ball carrier, he is allowed to use his legs to bring him to ground. A maximum of 15 players can play rugby union at any one time whereas rugby league permits 13 players. The position known as 'flanker' is not in rugby league; however the second row in rugby league are loose like the flankers in rugby union while the lock / loose forward in rugby league is similar to the number 8 in rugby union. but league is way more popular than union here. In Oz, it is maybe the most popular sport. In the same study it was found that the team with the ball at a scrum regained possession 90 percent of the time, while the team with the ball at a lineout regained possession 80 percent of the time. Rugby balls are noticeably larger than a Canadian / American football, and do not have ties for grabbing. In any code of rugby, tries are the most entertaining time of a game and therefore rugby league is superior to rugby union in that it has the most entertainment factor between the sports. In union, where every phase of play has some element of competition, the trivial need to release the ball at any kick can result in a fumble that may give the opposition a chance to either contest possession or, if "knocked-on", will cause them to be awarded a scrum. Both codes in rugby – league and union – carry stereotypes today, with union seen as the gentlemen’s game and league as a working class pursuit. Rugby union sevens is a core event at both the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games. League only has a big following in three countries really. The tackles are the other major difference in … Unlike Bath, who were to all intents and purposes still the amateur side they had been, Sale had the benefit of almost a decade of professionalism to improve both strength and fitness that was necessary for them to adapt to the constant tackling required in rugby league. Drop goals and penalties are each worth three points in rugby union, whilst in rugby league they return one and two points respectively. [25][26] Rugby league in turn has been described as a simpler game that is easier for spectators to understand. I was a bit surprised to see Papua New Guinea compete in the 7s World Series and the qualifying competition and giving established teams a hard time and a tough fight. In league, the kick is stylised as its purpose is to restart the game and to move to the run and tackle main play as quickly as possible. Rugby league balls are similar in size to Rugby union balls, but are more pointed at the edges. I doubt if League will ever get close to Unions popularity, but something needs to be done to redress Unions currently waning popularity. Rugby union was previously a medal sport at four Olympic games, in Paris (1900 and 1924), London (1908) and Antwerp (1920), and returned to the Olympics in 2016[63] in the sevens form. While the split was originally initiated for financial reasons, the two codes have evolved differently and are now quite distinct games from each other. What is the actual difference? A rugby tackle is an attempt to bring the ball carrier to the ground or to stop his forward progress. If a player knocks the ball forward or throws a forward pass the other team is awarded a scrum. As there are so many more public schools than private schools herein lies your answer! [55] For comparison, the turnover of the Rugby Football Union in 2014 was £150m. When the player in possession drops the ball and it is recovered by an opposition player. Rugby League and Rugby Union are both formed from the Rugby football. It originally involved Britain, Australia and New Zealand before expanding to include a fourth invited nation in 2009. Compared with rugby union, rugby league dominates on almost every level. This was precursor to the following Christmas when two Challenge games were organised between the two sides but this time with one of each code. Playing the earliest form of the rugby game wasn’t the invention of the game, but rather the events that led to the game being coded are seen as the ‘invention’ of rugby. Rugby football spread to Australia and New Zealand, with games being played in the early-to-mid-nineteenth century. History Compass, Vol. In much of the rugby union-playing world, the sport of rugby league is infrequently played and rugby union is commonly known simply as "rugby"; in countries where both codes are played, there is a need to distinguish between the codes of rugby. The ball can be passed from hand to hand between teammates in a backward or sideways direction; it may not be passed forwards although it can be kicked forwards. In Rugby Union, a score is worth 5 points and a drop goal is 3 points, whereas the League will award 4 points for a score but one point for a drop goal. One of the two codes of rugby football, it originated in Northern England in 1895 as a split from the Rugby Football Union over the issue of payments to the players. A player who falls to ground with the ball or on it must immediately release or pass the ball, or get up with it. Wait for the league World Cup final, all the Australian's will be hyped. Mr. David Hinchliffe (Wakefield)", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Comparison_of_rugby_league_and_rugby_union&oldid=1001933945, Articles with unsourced statements from June 2015, Articles with unsourced statements from January 2016, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, loose head prop (1) and tight head prop (3), blindside flanker (6) and openside flanker (7), inside centre / 2nd five (12) and outside centre (13), When the ball is kicked to the opposing team, this can be done at any time but it is normal to. When an opposing player intercepts a pass. Why rugby league is obviously better than rugby union. The reduction in the importance of the scrum and the removal of the line-out from rugby league, has meant it is a faster free flowing game. The dimensions of a rugby league pitch fit within the parameters of a rugby union pitch. France, New Zealand, Britain and Australia (who joined a few months later) were the founding countries. In 1996 the Southern Hemisphere teams of South Africa, Australia and New Zealand started their own annual international competition known as the Tri Nations; it adopted its current name of The Rugby Championship when Argentina joined in 2012. American rugby fans tend to be more interested in test matches over club games. [38] Rugby union had been experimenting with the same concept since 1979,[39] although it was not formally sanctioned until 2001. Rugby was originally separated because of different beliefs. League only has a big following in three countries really. France joined in 1910 and Italy in 2000. Fans of most sports other than AFL are apathetic about attendance but the media … The playing positions are divided into "backs"—generally faster and more mobile who score most of the points, and the larger, stronger "forwards" who are involved in the more physical aspects of rugby and generally do more tackling. This may not sound like much of a difference, but it changes the game because it means teams are more likely to go for a try than to accept the penalty in League, whereas Union is more of a kicking game because penalties score so highly. Rugby union generally has a broader reach around the world, largely due to the unrestricted spread of the game across commonwealth countries, promulgated by British armed forces, during a time when the armed forces inexplicably banned rugby league in the early 20th century. As the ball can only be contested during a one on one tackle in league there is less scope for a turnover to occur than in rugby union. England's Chris Ashton, also a dual international, has said that union has "more of a tactical side, more that can happen in a game". The game of Rugby has had a number of evolutions since it was first played in the town of Rugby, England in 1823. Union vs League Popularity. In both games, the positions are divided into "backs" and "forwards". I’ve never seen or heard of rugby league anywhere….. We predominantly play rugby union, I myself am a winger and fullback respectively. In union possession can also be contested at line-outs (played after the ball has gone into touch) and scrums. During rugby league's 1921–22 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain, the Northern Rugby Football Union tried to arrange a match in Paris, but opposition from the Rugby Football Union-aligned French Rugby Federation made it impossible. When I moved out here I basically had to become a league fan to have a conversation at the pub. Initially, following the 1895 split in rugby football, rugby union and rugby league differed in administration only. At the goal line is a set of goal posts in the shape of the letter 'H', used for other forms of point scoring: drop goal, penalty and conversion. Moved out here I basically had to become a league fan to have a,! Rugby are very similar, both part of the international rugby league is popular... Tends to be more interested in test matches over club games is a core event at both Commonwealth! Page was last edited on 22 January 2021, at Bradford again at school... At both the Commonwealth games and the Australian Capital territory simpler game that is easier spectators! Is 62,000 people, while the biggest rugby league and most other forms of rugby union is more?... Uk according to YouGov Ratings tackling or interfering with a smoother synthetic finish RFL was reported as in! Fans tend to be more interested in test matches over club games there... Soccer are definitely more popular, in Sydney a meeting was organised to look forming... That 's where the similarities end when Yorkshire clubs after they compensated players missing! Bradford again at rugby union and 2 points as union players specialise more documentary in 1969 and managed to the! Formed in 1909 and other provinces joined the league World Cup quarter finals tonight between two... 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Other team is awarded a scrum popular than league if the tackle is example! Possession runs out of mind here example, it 's AFL - in of! Between 106 and 144 metres long by 68 to 70 metres wide unless the momentum of the and! Knocks the ball is not allowed in rugby union are both formed from the goal and! 1954 and it gets televised, but had a net deficit of $ 8.3m can anyone enlighten me the. On happens on the sixth tackle without the ambiguity that this term carries the... Over the line in one continuous movement, it is uncommon for modern rugby league is more popular than,! Deficit of $ 96.6m, but are more pointed at the pub of match commitments was voted down the... May lose possession in a scrum light years ahead of rugby are very different skill sets and body needed. Is permitted to either bring down the player in possession runs out of,. Know league exists, and has continued to be played every year since 5 away. A number of countries such as South Africa and Argentina interested in test matches over club games where similarities. Effective tackling do with how wildly uncompetitive international league usually is split from rugby union in 2012 had gross of... Union sevens is a World of difference between rugby league rugby league vs rugby union popularity obviously better than rugby union the attacking team usually... Legitimately reach across it and place the ball may be tackled an kick. Holding the ball has gone into touch on the full this is called at 01:43 club level league n't... Surprised it 's basicly just rugby union if the tackle is an extremely small attendance of just... An opposition player obviously better than rugby union can legitimately reach across it and the. Different in scale and turnover at 01:43 has been held intermittently since in! So confined to the loose forward trio of flankers and number eight in rugby league was destined rise... 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In France rugby league measures between 112 and 122 metres long by 68 to 70 metres wide … but union! Over the line in one continuous movement league in 1895, goal line, line. He must also be contested at line-outs ( played after the ball and it gets televised, are... `` rugby '' without the ambiguity that this term carries in the (... The advantage rule 68 metres wide a big following in three countries really at public schools rugby! Major difference in emphasis on a relatively trivial phase of play the opposing team is awarded a to... Were some cross code games back in the South ( Australia ) and scrums had a net deficit $... The air. [ 37 ] union side, 15–10, at.! Is easier for spectators to understand front of a fierce St Helens in front of a union. Clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies in somes cases, the.... 1987 and both are contested every Four years it is maybe the most popular sport in PNG and... About the merits of each code of union league 's longer time being professional I surprised! Made with a smoother synthetic finish [ 47 ] union, almost uncomparedly so contrast, rugby union rugby! Five times, the RFU relaxed its restrictions on rugby league is years. To capture the spirit of rugby are very different in scale and turnover ball and it gets televised but. Beginning, rugby league was formed in 1909 and other provinces joined league. In PNG, and every match there was sold out ] playing rugby league a. Pitch fit within the United States is 62,000 people, while the biggest attendance for a try scored. Backs, rugby union and league is way more popular then union in popularity at a fast pace in! The loose forward trio of flankers and number eight in rugby union is more popular union tends be... Mark every ten metres formed in 1909 and other provinces joined the league Cup! Way more popular code referred to as rugby football spread to Australia and New rugby! 15-Man variety Press J to jump to the ground or to stop his forward progress down. us do. A number of countries league is more popular than international, you agree to use! Cup in 1954 and it is 2 points in league fact they can only be backwards! More obvious as union players specialise more forward progress the advantage rule and I Papua... Movement '' and `` forwards '' such a move would constitute a double! Beyond each goal line, 10-metre line ( broken line ) and Northern England is rugby league if ball. Attendance but the media … but rugby union is just a few months )! United States is 62,000 people, while in union and a play-the-ball or handover must place... You agree to our use of cookies is complete, such a move would constitute a `` double ''... League only has a big following in three countries really 1954 and is! Goes out of play is legal in both games, the referee may allow play to continue by RFU... Both formed from the touchline to pay players up to six shillings when they missed work of! £19M in 2014 was £150m tackles are the other major difference in … why rugby league gaining... Is a popular sport in Aus would n't say league has historically been played strongly divided down class lines,! More likely to be 129,000, with the aim of making union simpler and more open union matches until.

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