Rugby league or rugby union?

United States
November 3, 2008 9:14pm CST
Ok, s yeah, I am still new to the whole rugby deal. Some one I was talkin to at work had asked me if I watched rugby league or rugby union. I told him I watched what ever I could watch. My question is what is the difrance in league and union rugby? Is one like "Pro" and the other "Simi Pro"? Thanks for any help and info.
1 response
@DEVONECO (144)
• United States
4 Nov 08
Basic differences are the following : Union - 15 players, League - 13 players; League - the attacking team can be tackled 6 times by the defending team - and even if the attacking team is unable to reach the defending goal line and score within the 6 tackles, they have to turn the ball over to the other team. Then the other team goes into the attack until they can reach the opponents' goal line and score. In Union, there are unlimited tackles and no restricted moves. Both teams attack and defend. The points differ too. I.e. - Union try 5 pts, League try 4 pts; Conversion after a try 2 ponits in both cases; Field goal or drop goal while in play - Union 3 pts, League 1 pt; Penalty Kick- Union 3 pts, League 2 pts. Also in League, there are no line outs when the ball goes out during play - but in Union there are Lineouts; Scrum - Union - 8 player scrum down, League - Ball is rolled over as in NFL. I prefer Union because of its continuity of play.
• United States
4 Nov 08
Thanks for the info. I've been watching any and all rugby since I got Setanta Sports on my dish. From how it sounds most of the rugby I've been watching is league rugby but there has been a few union rugby matches . Thanks again for the info