Rugby, with its storied history and loyal following, is a sport that comes in two main formats: Rugby League and Rugby Union.
While they share a common origin, the distinctions between these two codes are significant, influencing everything from gameplay to regional popularity.
These differences are particularly relevant in countries like New Zealand and Australia, where both formats enjoy devoted support.
National Rugby League’s Impact
In New Zealand and Australia, Rugby League has become its own unique sport, especially through the National Rugby League (NRL). This competition is a big part of Rugby League and is important to the culture in both countries.
New Zealand fans, for instance, have embraced the NRL as an opportunity to showcase Kiwi talent on an international stage. Teams like the New Zealand Warriors have become a source of pride, gaining strong support and helping Rugby League grow in a country better known for Rugby Union.
For those following the NRL, betting has also become an integral part of the experience. Many platforms offer competitive odds, and Unibet offers some of the best NRL odds in Australia, along with a wide range of betting options to cater to fans’ demands. This makes it a popular choice for fans eager to back their teams or predict outcomes in the high-stakes world of professional Rugby League.
Rules and Scoring
One of the clearest differences between Rugby League and Rugby Union lies in their scoring systems. In Rugby Union, a try is worth five points, where a successful kick adds two more.
Penalty kicks and drop goals are each worth three points.
A try is scored when a player places the ball on the ground within the opponent’s in-goal area. For specific fouls, teams may be awarded a penalty kick, which is worth three points if successfully kicked between the goalposts.
Players can also earn three points during open play by executing a drop goal, where the ball is dropped to the ground and then kicked through the posts. Rugby League, on the other hand, awards four points for a try, two for a conversion kick, and gives only two and one point for penalty kicks and drop goals, respectively.
The team sizes are another key distinction. Rugby Union fields 15 players per side, while Rugby League operates with 13 players per team. This difference alters the dynamics on the field, with Rugby League often viewed as faster-paced due to the extra space created by fewer players.
Gameplay and Strategies
The gameplay rules in Rugby Union and Rugby League differ in ways that shape how each game is played.
Rugby Union allows teams to keep the ball for unlimited tackles as long as they avoid penalties or turnovers, which often leads to longer, continuous phases of play. In Rugby League, each team has six tackles to move the ball forward before they must give it to the other team.
This rule encourages teams to use kicks strategically to gain territory and keep their opponents under pressure.
Set-piece plays like scrums and lineouts highlight more differences. In Rugby Union, scrums involve eight players from each team and are key contests for possession, often deciding the flow of the game.
Lineouts, where players are lifted to catch the ball thrown in from the sideline, add another layer of strategy. Rugby League keeps scrums simpler and less physical, using them mainly to restart play rather than as a way to gain an advantage.
Professional Competitions and Global Reach
Rugby Union and Rugby League both have major competitions that draw fans from around the world. Rugby Union is known for events like the Rugby World Cup, Super Rugby, and the Six Nations, which bring together top teams and players.
Rugby League, overseen by the International Rugby League (IRL), hosts its own big events, such as the Rugby League World Cup and the Super League in Europe.
In Rugby League, the National Rugby League (NRL) stands out as one of the top competitions. Clubs like the New Zealand Warriors, Brisbane Broncos, and Sydney Roosters are some of the biggest names, regularly competing in exciting matches.