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Home > Sports > What is the Difference Between Rugby and American Football?

Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Rugby and American Football?

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Rugby and American football are both popular sports with some similarities, but they also have several key differences. Here are some of the main differences between the two sports:

  1. Number of players: Rugby has 15 players on the field per team, while American football has 11 players per team.
  2. Playing field: Rugby fields can vary in size, but they are generally 122-134 yards long and 74-76 yards wide. American football fields are standardized at 100 yards long and 74-76 yards wide.
  3. Ball: Rugby balls are more rounded and larger, with a length of 27-28 cm and a weight of about 1 lb. American footballs are smaller, with a length of 28-29 cm and a weight of 14-15 ounces.
  4. End zones: Rugby has end zones that range from 5.5 to 24 yards, while American football has a 10-yard end zone.
  5. Substitutions: In rugby, teams can make up to seven substitutions in a game, and substituted players cannot return to the field. In American football, teams can make an unlimited number of substitutions.
  6. Specialization: Rugby players have to do everything on the field and can do everything, while American football players are assigned specialized roles.
  7. Protection gear: American football players wear standard protective equipment (helmets, pads, gloves, elbow pads, cleats, and hip and knee paddings) regardless of their position. Rugby players wear different gear depending on their position.
  8. Strategy: American football is a game of set moves and countermoves, while rugby is a more free-flowing and spontaneous game.
  9. Geographical spread: American football is primarily played in North America, while rugby is popular in various countries around the world.
On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Rugby and American Football?
  • Comparative Table: Rugby vs American Football

    • Comparative Table: Rugby vs American Football

    Here is a table comparing the differences between rugby and American football:

    Feature Rugby American Football
    Number of Players 15 players on the field at a time 11 players on the field at a time
    Field Dimensions 120m long and 70m wide 109.73m long and 48.77m wide
    Substitutions 7 substitutions allowed during the whole game Unlimited substitutions allowed
    Game Duration 80 minutes with two 40-minute halves 60-minute game divided into quarters
    Points Scored by making a try (5 points in rugby union, 4 points in rugby league) Scored by making a touchdown (6 points)
    Ball Rugby balls are about 27cm long and weigh about 1lb American footballs are slightly smaller and weigh a few ounces less
    Strategy More impromptu and continuous nature of the game More premeditated and set moves and counter moves (similar to chess)
    Field Goals Can be scored by kicking the ball between the goalposts (known as a drop goal) Field goals can be scored in American football
    Geographical Rugby is played across the globe, with prominence in New Zealand, Australia, and parts of Europe American football is played in North America
    Level of Protection Rugby has less protective equipment, making it generally safer than American football American football features more protective gear, but players make fewer tackles on average

    In summary, rugby and American football share some similarities, but they have distinct differences in terms of number of players, field dimensions, game duration, scoring methods, strategies, and geographical distribution.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.