If you’re a rugby fan or player, you’ve probably found yourself wondering: *What’s the difference between Rugby Union and Rugby League?* Both are fast, thrilling sports with similar roots, but they have distinct differences that set them apart. Understanding these differences can help you decide which version of the game you prefer to watch or play, and it can give you a deeper appreciation for the unique elements of each code.

In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between Rugby Union and Rugby League—from the rules and style of play to the most popular competitions. Whether you’re new to rugby or a seasoned fan, this is your go-to resource for understanding what sets these two codes apart.

A Brief History of Rugby Union vs. Rugby League

To understand the difference between Rugby Union and Rugby League, it helps to know a bit about their shared history. Rugby Union dates back to 1823 when William Webb Ellis, a student at Rugby School in England, is said to have first picked up the ball during a football game and ran with it. This moment of innovation eventually led to the formation of Rugby Union, which became a highly organized, formalized sport with strict rules around amateurism.

Rugby League, on the other hand, emerged much later. In 1895, a rift in Rugby Union over the issue of player payments led to the formation of Rugby League. Northern English clubs, primarily from the working class, wanted to pay players for their time, while the traditionalist southern clubs opposed it. This split gave birth to Rugby League, a more professionalized version of the game.

Over the years, Rugby League and Rugby Union have developed independently, each with its own distinct set of rules, competitions, and fanbases. Rugby Union retained its amateur status until the 1990s, while Rugby League has always been more commercially driven, with a focus on professional leagues and more structured, high-intensity games.

The Key Rule Differences

When it comes to the difference between Rugby Union and Rugby League, the most obvious distinctions lie in the rules of the game. These differences influence how the games are played, the pace of the action, and the strategies employed by teams.

The number of players:

Rugby Union has 15 players on each team—8 forwards and 7 backs. Rugby League has 13 players—6 forwards and 7 backs. This difference in the number of players affects the overall flow of the game. With more players in Rugby Union, the game tends to have more structure, with greater emphasis on set pieces like scrums and lineouts. Rugby League, with fewer players, leads to a faster pace and more open play.

The scrum:

In Rugby Union, scrums are contested, with 8 players from each team binding together to form a scrum after certain infractions like a knock-on or forward pass. The scrum is an essential part of the game and provides a way for teams to restart play. In Rugby League, scrums exist but are less competitive. Only 6 players from each team participate in the scrum, and it’s mainly used as a way to restart play, rather than as a contested, strategic element of the game. In Rugby Union, scrums are often a battle of strength and technique, with teams using them to gain momentum. Rugby League scrums are more of a formality, and the emphasis is placed elsewhere, such as on the speed and continuity of the game.

Tackling

After a tackle in Rugby Union, players can contest possession by forming a ruck (a group of players on the ground over the ball). Teams often try to win the ball back by driving forward or clearing the ruck to allow for quick ball movement. In Rugby League, after a tackle, the player must get up and play the ball by tapping it with their foot to restart the play. No contesting for the ball takes place, and the focus is on quick restarts to maintain a high pace. The difference here is significant because in Rugby Union, the ruck can slow down the game and allow for more tactical plays. In Rugby League, the lack of a ruck system leads to quicker turnovers and a more rapid flow of play.

In Rugby Union, there’s no limit to the number of tackles a team can make before losing possession. Teams aim to retain the ball by maintaining possession and playing through phases. In Rugby League, teams are allowed 6 tackles before they must give up possession, either through a kick or by turning over the ball. This rule leads to a faster-paced game with teams working quickly to gain ground in limited time. In Rugby League, the 6-tackle rule keeps the pressure on teams to maintain momentum and seek opportunities for quick breaks or kicks for field position.

The lineouts

Rugby Union uses lineouts to restart play when the ball goes out of bounds. The team in possession throws the ball in, and players lift each other to contest the throw. In Rugby League, there are no lineouts. If the ball goes out of bounds, the game restarts with a scrum or a play-the-ball, making the game more continuous. Rugby Union’s lineout provides an additional tactical element, while Rugby League keeps things flowing without stoppages for lineout formations.

Scoring system

In Rugby Union, a try is worth 5 points, a conversion 2 points, a penalty kick and a drop goal both worth 3 points. In Rugby League, a try is worth 4 points, a conversion 2 points, a penalty kick is worth 2 points, and a drop goal is worth 1 point. While the point values differ, the general approach to scoring is similar in both codes—trying to break through the defense and convert for extra points. Rugby League’s drop goal, however, is less significant compared to Rugby Union.

Style of Play and Strategy

Now, let’s take a closer look at the difference between Rugby Union and Rugby League in terms of style of play and the strategies employed by teams.

Pace & Flow of the Game

Rugby Union tends to be more structured. With scrums, lineouts, and rucks, the game has more stops and starts, allowing teams to set up tactics and control the pace. Rugby League is faster and more continuous. The 6-tackle rule and the absence of rucks mean the ball is in play more often, and the game moves quickly from one end to the other. In Rugby Union, teams can slow the game down and control possession, while Rugby League demands quick decision-making and faster transitions between attack and defense.

The Role of Forwards and Backs

Forwards in Rugby Union are heavily involved in physical confrontations, particularly in scrums and lineouts. Backs focus on attacking play, with key roles in creating scoring opportunities. In Rugby League, the forwards still play a crucial role, but the emphasis is on supporting the ball carrier and maintaining a fast-paced attack. The backs are often the ones to capitalize on open space and create scoring chances.

The forward positions in Rugby League tend to be less stationary and more mobile, as players are often involved in both attack and defense during the same set of tackles.

Defensive Play

Defensive strategies also differ. Rugby Union often involves more set-piece defensive strategies, such as defending scrums and lineouts, with a greater focus on structure. Rugby League requires more lateral defense due to the quick turnovers and constant play. Teams need to shift and adjust to cover more ground in defense.

Popular Competitions and International Impact

Both Rugby Union and Rugby League have large global followings, but they dominate different regions. Rugby Union boasts competitions like the Six Nations, The Rugby World Cup, and Super Rugby. The game has a larger presence in Europe, the Southern Hemisphere, and parts of the UK. Rugby League has key competitions like the Rugby League World Cup, NRL (National Rugby League), and State of Origin (Australia). Rugby League is particularly popular in Australia and the north of England. While Rugby Union has a broader international reach, Rugby League has a deeply ingrained cultural impact in specific regions like Australia, New Zealand, and parts of the UK.

Which One Is Right for You?

So, which version of rugby should you play or watch? If you enjoy a more structured, tactical game with set pieces like scrums and lineouts, Rugby Union might be the better fit for you. If you prefer a faster-paced game with a focus on continuous play and less stoppage, then Rugby League might be the way to go.

Rugby Union is perfect for those who appreciate the tactical battles and the physicality of scrums and lineouts. Rugby League is great for fans who enjoy end-to-end action, rapid turnovers, and high-scoring games.

Understanding the difference between Rugby Union and Rugby League comes down to the rules, the style of play, and the strategies each game employs. Rugby Union is a more structured, tactical game with a larger focus on set pieces and contests for possession, while Rugby League is fast-paced, with fewer players and a focus on open play and quick transitions. Whether you prefer the methodical nature of Rugby Union or the fast-paced action of Rugby League, both codes offer exciting, high-intensity rugby. The key is to dive into the game, watch some matches, and maybe even get involved yourself.

Which version of rugby do you prefer? Let us know in the comments below and share your thoughts on the difference between Rugby Union and Rugby League!