Rugby Union (15 vs. 15) and Rugby League (13 vs. 13): physical, tactical, and played without protective gear. The Rugby World Cup is the third-largest sporting event after the football World Cup and the Olympics.
The attacking team advances the oval ball forward – through sideways or backward passes and by running. Scoring: try (5/4 points), conversion (2/1), penalty (3), drop goal (3). Tackling stops the ball carrier, forming a ruck or maul.
Jersey, shorts, studded boots; optional light head guard, mouthguard (recommended), thin shoulder padding (no hard foam)
2 × 40 min. plus stoppage time; knockout extra time: sudden death or extra time periods
Rugby was invented in 1823 in the town of Rugby (England), when William Webb Ellis picked up the ball during a football match and ran with it.
| League | Teams | People |
|---|---|---|
| Top 14 | 14 | 788 |
| Super Rugby Pacific | 11 | 443 |
| Gallagher Premiership Rugby | 10 | 373 |
| Six Nations Championship | 6 | 238 |