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Discover the key differences between Rugby League and Rugby Union.
If you're new to rugby, it’s easy to assume that Rugby League and Rugby Union are just two sides of the same coin. However, while they may sound similar, they couldn't be more different. Take their origin stories, for example. Legend has it that Rugby Union began in the 1820s when a student at Rugby School picked up a football and ran with it, defying convention.
Rugby League, on the other hand, was created as a response to the somewhat classist nature of Rugby Union, which did not provide working-class players with compensation for time spent away from work. This breakaway led to significant rule changes and the birth of Rugby League, resulting in two codes of rugby that may appear similar but offer very different experiences on the field.
Keep reading to discover the key differences between Rugby League and Rugby Union. Then, when you’ve pinned down the differences between the two, it might be a good idea to sign up with 888 Casino, in case you might wanna place a bet on either of the sports. There’s an exhaustive review by FreeSpinsTracker, which will give you a good indication of what to expect before registering with this operator.
Amount of Players
Off the bat, one of the biggest differences between Rugby League and Rugby Union is the number of players on the field. In Rugby League, each team has 13 players, while Rugby Union teams have 15. Although two players may not seem like a significant difference, it has a major impact on the style and pace of the game.
Rugby League is renowned for its fast-paced action, as the smaller team size creates more open space, resulting in more running and fewer set-piece confrontations. In contrast, the additional players in Rugby Union contribute to a more structured, tactical game, with a greater emphasis on scrums, rucks, and strategic play.
Tackling
Tackling has become somewhat synonymous with rugby; it's hard to imagine the sport without it. However, did you know that Rugby Union and Rugby League handle tackling very differently? That’s right in Rugby League, when a player is tackled, the action resumes rapidly with a play-the-ball. During this process, the tackled player uses their foot to roll the ball back to a teammate. Each team is allowed six tackles during a set before they must either score or relinquish possession. This creates a faster-paced, more continuous game focused on advancing the ball with every tackle.
Rugby Union, on the other hand, allows for multiple phases of play following a tackle. After a player is brought down, rucks or mauls can form as teams compete to retain or regain possession. This adds a more strategic layer to the game, slowing the pace somewhat but introducing complexity as teams work through various phases to build an attack and maintain control of the ball.
Lineouts
One of the most distinct features of Rugby Union is the lineout, which is noticeably absent from Rugby League. Lineouts are used to restart play when the ball goes out of bounds in Rugby Union. This involves players from both teams forming lines, with the team throwing the ball often lifting a player into the air to catch or contest the throw. This makes lineouts a highly strategic and skilful part of the game. In contrast, when the ball goes out of bounds in Rugby League, the game is simply restarted with a tap kick or a scrum, allowing for a swift return to open play.
Scrums
Both Rugby Union and Rugby League feature scrums, but they differ significantly in size, intensity, and purpose. In Rugby Union, a scrum involves eight players from each team and is a highly contested, physical aspect of the game. Scrums in Union are used to restart play after certain infringements, and the strength and technique of the forwards are crucial for gaining possession.
In contrast, Rugby League scrums are smaller, involving just six players from each team, and far less physical. League scrums are often uncontested and serve primarily as a method to quickly restart the game rather than as a major battleground for possession, as seen in Rugby Union. Consequently, Rugby League scrums are typically faster and have less impact on the overall flow of the game compared to those in Rugby Union.
Kicks
While you might be thinking, "A kick is just a kick; how much more different can it be?" Well, kicking tactics in Rugby Union and Rugby League vary significantly due to their distinct strategies. Yes, in Rugby Union, players kick to gain territory, to contest possession or to relieve pressure. Teams often use high kicks, known as "up-and-unders," and kicking for a goal is crucial, with penalties and drop goals offering key scoring chances. In Rugby League, kicking is primarily used at the end of a team's six-tackle set to gain ground or force errors. Kicks aim to maximize field position or regain possession.
Scoring
Both Rugby Union and Rugby League score points through tries, conversions, and goals, but their scoring systems and rules differ, affecting team strategies. In Rugby Union, a try is worth 5 points, while in Rugby League, it is worth 4 points. In both versions of the sport, a successful conversion kick adds 2 points. However, penalty goals and drop goals are valued at 3 points each in Rugby Union, compared to just 2 points each in Rugby League.
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