Rugby Union and Rugby League are two distinct forms of rugby, each with its own set of rules, gameplay, and history. Here are some of the key differences between the two sports:
- Number of Players:
- Rugby Union: Each team has 15 players on the field at any given time.
- Rugby League: Each team has 13 players on the field.
- Scoring:
- In both codes, the primary objective is to score tries by grounding the ball in the opponent’s in-goal area. However, the value of tries and goals differs.
- Rugby Union: A try is worth 5 points, and a successful conversion (kick through the goal posts) following a try is worth 2 points. Penalty goals and drop goals are also worth 3 points each.
- Rugby League: A try is worth 4 points, and a successful conversion is worth 2 points. Penalty goals and drop goals are worth 2 points each.
- Tackling:
- In both codes, tackling is a fundamental part of the game, but there are some differences in how it is executed.
- Rugby Union: Tackles can involve a full-body wrap and are often contested in rucks and mauls.
- Rugby League: Tackles are typically less contested and do not involve a full-body wrap. When a player is tackled, play briefly stops, and the tackled player plays the ball with their foot.
- Set Pieces:
- Rugby Union has more set-piece plays, including scrums and lineouts, which are contested to restart play after stoppages.
- Rugby League has fewer set pieces and no scrums. Instead, it uses a play-the-ball restart after a tackle.
- Ruck and Maul:
- These are unique to Rugby Union and involve players binding together and contesting possession after a tackle. There are no rucks and mauls in Rugby League.
- Offside Rules:
- Rugby Union has complex offside rules, and players must be aware of their positioning relative to the ball.
- Rugby League has simpler offside rules, with players required to be behind the last feet at the play-the-ball.
- Duration of Play:
- Both forms are the same, with two halves of 40 minutes each.
- Scrum:
- Rugby Union features contested scrums, with eight players from each team binding together to compete for the ball.
- Rugby League has uncontested scrums, with the team awarded the feed retaining possession.
- Fouls and Penalties:
- Both codes have specific rules for fouls and penalties, but the consequences and interpretations can differ.
- Professional vs. Amateur:
- Rugby Union has a longer history of professionalism and is played at both amateur and professional levels.
- Rugby League has a more recent history of professionalism and is primarily played at the professional level.
These are some of the fundamental differences between Rugby Union and Rugby League. While they share a common heritage, the rule variations have led to two distinct and popular sports enjoyed by fans around the world.