Rugby union and rugby league are two different variations of the sport of rugby. Both sports have similar origins and share many similarities, but there are also some key differences between the two.
The main difference between rugby union and rugby league is the number of players on the field and the rules of the game. Rugby union is played with 15 players on each team, while rugby league is played with 13 players on each team. This means that rugby league games tend to be faster and higher-scoring than rugby union games.
Another difference between the two sports is the way that players can score points. In rugby union, players can score points by scoring tries (touching the ball down in the opponent’s end zone), kicking goals (kicking the ball over the crossbar and between the posts), or kicking penalties and drop goals. In rugby league, players can score points by scoring tries, kicking goals, or kicking a drop goal.
Another difference is the way the game is played, Rugby union has a scrum, where the forwards of each team bind together and push against each other to contest possession of the ball, while in Rugby League, the ball is given to the team that didn’t commit the infraction by a play-the-ball.
Rugby league also has a number of rules that are specific to that sport. For example, in rugby league, the ball must be passed backwards, and players are not allowed to pass the ball forward. Additionally, in rugby league, there is no offside rule, which means that players can move anywhere on the field.
Finally, Rugby Union has a more established global presence, with top teams from countries such as New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia, while Rugby League is more popular in England and the surrounding islands.
In summary, rugby union and rugby league are two different variations of the sport of rugby, with different numbers of players on the field, different ways of scoring points, and different rules. While both sports share many similarities, they are distinct and unique in their own ways.