Rugby Union vs Rugby League: Key Differences

While rugby league and rugby union ultimately started as the same sport and share many similarities, the evolution of rugby over time has turned the sport into two completely separate entities. Although some differences are apparent, newcomers to rugby may need a helping hand to identify where the nuances lie. But don’t worry this guide is here to help! 

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Rugby Union vs Rugby League: History

The Origins of Rugby Union

Originally referred to as rugby football, rugby union began in the early 19th century in Northern England, evolving from various forms of football played in schools. So the story goes; a young William Webb Ellis picked up a football at school in 1823 and the game he invented became quite popular. Rugby football clubs started to pop up around the world, but in England, the game began to become more codified with the Rugby Football Union (RFU) being formed in 1871. 

The Great Split: The Birth Of Rugby League

The split between rugby union and rugby league occurred on August 29, 1895, at the George Hotel in Huddersfield. Disagreements over professionalism drove this division. Northern English clubs, representing working-class players, demanded "broken time" payments to compensate players for lost wages due to rugby commitments. The RFU's strict amateurism policy rejected these demands, leading 22 clubs to form the Northern Rugby Football Union (later renamed Rugby League in 1922).

Rugby League vs Rugby Union: Game Differences

Both games have developed over the years, with growing gameplay differences between the two. In both rugby union and league within the 80 minutes of the game, players must pass the ball backwards, but this is where most of the similarities end. 

• Rugby Union comprises 15 players, whereas rugby league is made up of just 13 players.

• In rugby union, scrums are fiercely contested by eight players from each team, often involving resets and strategies to drive opponents back or win penalties.

• Rugby league scrums are less physical and involve six players. They are primarily used as a quick restart mechanism after knock-ons or forward passes.

• Rugby union features lineouts where players lift teammates to catch the ball after it goes out of play.

• Rugby league does not have lineouts. Instead, play resumes with a tap-and-go kick off the boot.

• Rugby union rucks form after tackles, creating competitive scenarios to retain possession.

• Rugby league uses the "play-the-ball" system: the tackled player gets up, places the ball on the ground, steps over it, and rolls it backwards with their foot. The term "ruck" is still used in rugby league but refers to space behind the play-the-ball.

Differences in Ball-in-Play Time and Pitch Dimensions

Rugby league has gained a reputation for offering more continuous gameplay and excitement due to its longer ball-in-play time than rugby union. In professional matches, rugby league typically sees the ball in play for around 50 minutes out of the 80-minute game, whereas rugby union averages closer to 35 minutes. This faster pace and fewer stoppages make rugby league particularly appealing to fans seeking dynamic action.

Pitch Dimensions

The dimensions of the pitch also differ slightly between rugby union and rugby league:

• Rugby Union: Pitches can measure up to 144m in length and 70m in width, including the in-goal areas.

• Rugby League: Pitches are slightly smaller, with a maximum length of 122.68m and similar widths.

Markings

While both types of pitches feature try-lines, a halfway line, touchlines, and dead-ball lines, their markings diverge:

• Rugby Union: Includes additional lines such as 10-metre lines on either side of the halfway line, a 22-metre line, and a five-metre line leading to the try-line. These markings support Union's complex gameplay strategies involving rucks, mauls, and penalties.

• Rugby League: Marked in ten-metre intervals to assist referees with offsides. A solid red line at the 40-metre mark helps with strategic plays like the "40:20 kick." Rugby league’s simpler marking system reflects its streamlined rules compared to union.

Gameplay Innovations

Rugby league's "40:20 kick" rule inspired rugby union's "50:22" rule, showcasing how both sports continue to evolve while maintaining their distinct identities.

By understanding these differences, fans can better appreciate the unique features that define each code.

Rugby League vs Rugby Union: The Rules / Laws

While rugby union and rugby league share the same method for scoring a try - grounding the ball over the opponent's try line - the value of a try differs between the two sports. Here's a breakdown of the scoring differences:

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