One of the first things to know about the sport of rugby in the world is that there are several different types: Rugby Union vs. Rugby League and Rugby XV's (15 players a side) vs. Rugby Sevens (7 a side). We'll deal with Sevens vs. 15's later. For now, let's talk about Rugby Union and League.
Wikipedia does have a good comprehensive overview of the differences between Union and League. Stuart Duncan of suite101.com has some good stories and history of the game. His description of the difference in the two codes is a must-read.
For fans of either sport, mistakenly referring to one as the other is a definite no-no. It might even lead to an argument. Best to know which one you're talking about before you speak.
The governing body for Rugby Union is the International Rugby Board (IRB) and it is based out of Dublin, Ireland.
For Rugby League, the Rugby League International Federation is headquartered in Sydney, Australia.
Again, read the background information for yourself.
My own personal opinion is that Union is the better of the two. By way of analogy, the best way to describe the difference between League and Union rugby is that of the National Football League in the USA and the Canadian Football League in neighboring Canada. Both have long, storied histories, and while the ball, field and players may look similar, the games themselves are most unlike. That's really the best way to put it if you're a North American like myself.
However, Union and League fans are passionate--and it really comes down to a personal choice of which you like better. There is no "right" rugby or "wrong" rugby.
Union retains elements of brutish rugby practiced I'm sure in the middle ages on in Europe. The pushing and shoving, the battles for every inch of turf more prevalent in Union make it to me more exciting. That's just me, though. As I find out more about league, I'll post it.
UPDATE: 7/13/2010: This editorial from American Rugby News by Matt Manley explains the difference in rugby codes from an American perspective.
He's right--not saddled with a great rugby tradition of either code, the US has a chance to benefit from both.
Wikipedia does have a good comprehensive overview of the differences between Union and League. Stuart Duncan of suite101.com has some good stories and history of the game. His description of the difference in the two codes is a must-read.
For fans of either sport, mistakenly referring to one as the other is a definite no-no. It might even lead to an argument. Best to know which one you're talking about before you speak.
The governing body for Rugby Union is the International Rugby Board (IRB) and it is based out of Dublin, Ireland.
For Rugby League, the Rugby League International Federation is headquartered in Sydney, Australia.
Again, read the background information for yourself.
My own personal opinion is that Union is the better of the two. By way of analogy, the best way to describe the difference between League and Union rugby is that of the National Football League in the USA and the Canadian Football League in neighboring Canada. Both have long, storied histories, and while the ball, field and players may look similar, the games themselves are most unlike. That's really the best way to put it if you're a North American like myself.
However, Union and League fans are passionate--and it really comes down to a personal choice of which you like better. There is no "right" rugby or "wrong" rugby.
Union retains elements of brutish rugby practiced I'm sure in the middle ages on in Europe. The pushing and shoving, the battles for every inch of turf more prevalent in Union make it to me more exciting. That's just me, though. As I find out more about league, I'll post it.
UPDATE: 7/13/2010: This editorial from American Rugby News by Matt Manley explains the difference in rugby codes from an American perspective.
He's right--not saddled with a great rugby tradition of either code, the US has a chance to benefit from both.
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