While Rugby Union and Rugby League both trace their roots back to the 19th century, and the English public school of the same name, there are important differences between the two sports. The basic goal is the same, scoring a try by getting the ball over the line, but the rules determining how this can be accomplished are not.

In rugby union, each team has 15 players, and they hold the ball for as long as they (more…)

Rugby is one of the world’s most popular sports, and playing rugby is a great way to stay in shape. However, rugby is potentially dangerous, and injuries are fairly common. Here are a few tips for staying safe while playing rugby.

Proper technique is of the utmost importance when trying to avoid injuries. Tackling technique, for example, is not just designed to be as effective as possible; it is also designed to keep players safe. Experts often note that it is inexperienced players who are most likely to cause injuries, and those who learn to (more…)

So the NFL has wrapped up for the season and even your fancy nfl Sunday ticket service isn’t giving you quite the fix you need, what do you do? Well, if you are anything like me, you eat, drink and live the sport of football 24/7 – you need it to live and you need it to function much like coffee. You can’t imagine your life without it and while, sure, there is always college football, sometimes even that doesn’t cut it when it comes time to feed the beast. Why not turn your attention to something a little different but just as satisfying. I’m talking about rugby.

Originally developed back in the 18th century at the Rugby School, the object of the game is to take the oval ball all the way to the opposing side of the field. This can be done either by carrying or kicking the ball, but the player must not throw the ball and, during the journey, the carrier can be tackled or delayed in his journey. This makes the game bear a striking resemblance to what Americans know as football. So don’t go through football withdrawal, not when you can enjoy the English pastime that has been sweeping across the globe.

It’s sad to hear of the passing of one of New Zealand’s greats, Sir Fred Allen. Sir Fred, who coached the All Blacks between 1966-68, had a perfect record, leading them to 37 wins in 37 games. He’d earlier captained the All Blacks 21 times – which was every time he played for them!

Over in Wales, and in much happier news, Martyn Williams is set to win his 100th cap for Wales in the game against the Barbarians on June 2nd. Retiring at the end of the season, the 36 year-old open-side flanker played what seemed to be his last full international (more…)

Rugby is a sport that is slowly becoming popular in the US. Some think Rugby is basically American football without the helmets but there is more to it then that. In Rugby you use your arms and legs more and there is more camaraderie among teammates. One reason Rugby is becoming popular because you don’t have to be a 300lb linebacker or have a laser rocket arm to play the sport, although you will have to be in good physical shape in order to play.

Rugby is even being picked up by some (more…)

While it is one of the least popular sports in the United States, Rugby is a very popular sport around the world. In fact, it is the most popular sport in New Zealand and Australia. Those watching the sport for the first time will notice some elements of the game that are similar to American Football. However, the two sports are quite different.

The most notable difference between football and rugby is the appearance of the players on the field. Football players wear helmets and extensive pads for protection against tackles. Rugby players wear no pads or helmets. (more…)

Rugby is a popular sport that takes place in many of the former British held territories around the world. Although it is a popular sport in countries such as the UK, South Africa and even growing in the United States, there is possibly no other place on Earth it is more popular in than in New Zealand and Australia. These two countries have taken and accepted the sport, which has become the national sport. There is an Australian rules rugby (more…)

For many people, the notion of becoming a rugby player is often born out of excitement more than anything else. As a result, some don’t take the necessary time to think through the process. The fact is, there are a variety of things that are essential to understand before setting out to become a rugby player, all of which can help to ensure that the process goes smoothly for you. The following are just a few things to take into consideration if (more…)