What is the Difference Between Rugby Union and Rugby League?

Rugby Union and Rugby League are both popular forms of rugby, but they have distinct differences in terms of gameplay, rules, and the number of players. Some of the key differences between the two codes include:

1. Number of Players: Rugby Union is played with 15 players per team, while Rugby League has 13 players per team.
2. Scoring: Although both sports have tries, conversions, drop goals, and penalties, the point values differ. A try is worth 5 points in Rugby Union and 4 points in Rugby League. Conversions are worth 2 points in both codes, but drop goals and penalties have different point values. In Rugby Union, drop goals and penalties are each worth 3 points, while in Rugby League, they return 1 and 2 points, respectively.
3. Possession: In Rugby League, the team in possession must restart play after six tackles, while in Rugby Union, there is no limit to the number of tackles, and the ball remains with the team that is tackled as long as they keep possession.
4. Gameplay: In Rugby League, the tackled player must place the ball between their legs and roll it backwards to a teammate, while in Rugby Union, a ruck forms to contest the ball, and the game continues to flow.
5. Lineouts and Scrums: Rugby Union has lineouts, where players lift their teammates to catch the ball thrown in from the sideline, while Rugby League does not have lineouts, and play is restarted with a tap kick. In scrums, Rugby Union typically involves eight players, while Rugby League usually has six players in a scrum.
6. Demographics: Rugby Union is often seen as a more middle-class game, while Rugby League is perceived as a working-class sport, particularly in the UK.

In summary, Rugby Union and Rugby League share some similarities but have distinct differences in gameplay, rules, and the number of players on the field.

Comparative Table: Rugby Union vs Rugby League

Here is a table comparing the key differences between Rugby Union and Rugby League:

Rugby Union and Rugby League share a common ancestry but have evolved into distinct games with different rules and gameplay. Rugby Union has 15 players per team, whereas Rugby League has 13 players per team. The scoring systems differ, with Rugby Union having a try worth 5 points and a conversion worth 2 points, while Rugby League has a try worth 4 points and a conversion worth 2 points. In terms of tackling rules, Rugby Union has no limit to the number of tackles, while Rugby League switches possession after six tackles. Rugby Union is often considered more physical, with more players on the field to tackle and contest possession, while Rugby League is faster and more structured, with an emphasis on speed and ball handling.