Difference Between Union and League

Rugby League and Rugby Union are two separate forms of rugby football. Although they were the same sport until the end of the 19th century, certain circumstances led them to part ways in 1892.

Back in the 19th century, rugby football was played with similar rules and it fell under the Rugby Football Union (RFU). However, cultural differences led to some conflicts between the players and the association, which resulted in the formation of the Northern Rugby Football Union (NRFU).

According to the game’s history, the rugby clubs in Yorkshire backed their players to miss work and play the sport. This was not considered to be professional, so conflicts arose within the association. When things got out of control, Lancashire clubs also came out in support of the Yorkshire clubs, and united to form a separate union.

While it was thought that the sport would still be played with the same set of rules, but under a different governing body, this was not the case, as numerous changes were made.

Now, union and league rugby are played under different sets of rules, leading to several differences between them.

The biggest dissimilarity between the two games is that league rugby allows only 13 players to be on the field at a time whereas the union has increased that number to 15 per side.

Although both these sports have one referee in common, the league has an additional two touch judges as well. Moreover, a timekeeper can also be involved in the game, but that is optional. On the other hand, the referee has two assistants in a union.

During a league match, a single team can have as many as 10 substitutions per side. Compared to that, the union only allows seven substitutions in one game.

The size of the field is larger in a league game, and can be up to 122 metres long whereas the length of a field in a union game is 100 metres.

Scoring is also different in both games, as the players are awarded four points for a touch and one for a drop goal in the league. On the other hand, a try and drop goal count for five and three points respectively in union games.

Instructions

  • 1

    Rugby League

    It is a form of rugby football initiated in 1895, which is played under the Rugby League International Federation.

    Image Courtesy: singlikenooneslistening.wordpress.com

  • 2

    Rugby Union

    This sport is governed by International Rugby Board and is played with different rules and regulations as compared to the league.

    Image Courtesy: sportsscholarships.com.au

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


two × = 18