Origins Of Rugby

What is Rugby Union?

Rugby Union is a sport played by two teams of fifteen players with the aim of to pass, run, kick, pass the ball, to secure possession and to try to score points.

How is it different from Rugby League?

Rugby Union is comprised of 15 players per side, where Rugby League has 13. Rugby League also plays on a down basis, in that you have 6 possessions to try and score, otherwise you turn possession over to the opposition. Whereas Rugby Union is a game of continual possession, provided you don't turn the ball over.

When was rugby invented?

Rugby was invented when William Webb decided to pick up a ball and run with it in 1823 at Rugby School in England.

How has the game changed over the years?

The game has changed immensely, probably professionalism has made the biggest change in the game. At the top of their game the athletes are fully professional, and they have been for over 10 years. That has allowed the athletes to get bigger, stronger, faster, and the game has improved with it. The other big change is some of the law changes that have been brought in through the years, from the point allocation for the scoring of tries changing from 3 to 5, to line-up lifting, to a whole host of others which has made the game a bit more of a pure sport and certainly more of an athletic spectacle than it has been in the distant past. It appeals to more people now.

Who are some of the most famous names in rugby?

The most famous name who would appeal to you whichever team and country you support probably, but some of the big ones would be Johnny Wilkinson, who kicked the winning drop goal in the 2003 World Cup for England, perhaps John O'Larma who was a tremendous all back player for a number of years and was one of the best players in his position throughout his career. Somebody like George Reagan who's led the Australian team to a number of success for many, many years and is a record cap holder.