Rugby Football

Overview

Rugby football refers to the team sports of rugby union and rugby league.

• Originated at Rugby School in Rugby, Warwickshire, England.
• Rules codified in 1845.
• Two main codes: Rugby Union and Rugby League.

Historical Development

• 1846: Rugby football match in Kingston upon Thames, England.
• 1895: Split into Rugby Union and Rugby League at George Hotel, Huddersfield.
• Rugby League turned professional first, followed by Rugby Union in 1995.

Governing Bodies

• Rugby Union: World Rugby
• Rugby League: International Rugby League

Global Influence

• Rugby spread across the British Empire and globally.
• Canadian and American football evolved from rugby.
• Rugby Union and League have distinct global presences with different governing bodies.

Rugby Union

• Played in major international competitions like the Rugby World Cup.
• Known for its fifteen-player teams and complex set pieces like scrums and line-outs.

Rugby League

• Known for faster play and fewer players (13 per team).
• Rugby League World Cup is a major competition.

Differences Between Rugby Union and Rugby League

• Number of players: Union (15), League (13)
• Union involves contested possession after tackles, League does not.
• Union allows unlimited tackles, League has a six-tackle rule.

Popularity and Cultural Associations

• Rugby Union is often seen as an establishment sport in England but is popular among all classes in other regions.
• Rugby League is traditionally associated with the working class.

Safety and Equipment

• High contact sport with significant injury risks.
• Rugby ball is distinctively oval-shaped.

Rugby's Role in Society

• Rugby has been a unifying force across national and sectarian divides in places like Ireland.
• Integral part of national identity in countries like New Zealand and Wales.

Contemporary Issues

• Match-fixing and betting have been concerns in rugby.
• Efforts to maintain the integrity of the sport continue.

Timeline of Key Events

• 1830s: Running with the ball popularized at Rugby School.
• 1871: Rugby Football Union founded.
• 1895: Formation of Northern Rugby Football Union (Rugby League).
• 1995: Rugby Union becomes professional.
• 2011: New Zealand wins Rugby World Cup.

Rugby Balls and Equipment

• Originally made of leather and pigs' bladders.
• Modern balls are standardized in size and weight by World Rugby.

Conclusion

Rugby has a rich history and has evolved into two distinct sports with different rules and cultures. It remains a significant sport globally with a strong following and cultural impact.