Rugby is a sport that has translated well in many countries and its global popularity is evident. At gamerisms, we were searching for a 10th game to add to the sports section. Our standards were that the game had to be popular worldwide with players and fans that are keen and supportive of the game. During our research, we found all that with rugby plus an understanding of the mindset of supporters. They prefer not to be compared to US football or any other sport, but rather let the unique game of rugby stand on its own—as it deserves!
The result is what we at gamerisms believe to be one of the most comprehensive rugby glossaries on the web, so to all passionate rugby players and fans, enjoy your game!
There are 2 types of rugby games and both are covered extensively in this rugby games glossary. The first type is Union Rugby and is the most common game played, while the second type is League Rugby.
The primary differences between the two types are the number of players per team, scoring points and the end-result of a tackle. There is a detailed comparison chart below.
The history of the game is based on several variations of football played at Rugby School and various English public schools in the nineteenth century. Between the mid eighteenth century and mid-nineteenth century, the rules of rugby were based on local agreements. For instance, the ball could not be run forward at all. Handling the ball with the player's hands was allowed, but they could not move forward with it. Eventually this changed at some point between 1859 and 1865. An individual named William Webb Ellis is accredited with the concept of running the ball forward.
Rugby games have several different rules according to which version is played. The primary rules that are similar are movement rules and how points are scored. In rugby, the ball can be run or kicked forward, but it can only be passed laterally or backward. The teams are designated as attackers and defenders dependent upon whether they have the ball or not. The attackers have the ball. The defenders do not.
Rugby games of this type are played with fifteen players per team. Players will contest possession after a tackle has occurred. Depending on how play progresses, either a ruck or a maul may occur. Union play also does not have a six-tackle rule. A team will keep the ball for an unlimited number of tackles barring the fact that they score, lose possession, or commit a form of offense.
The scrum is a large part of this game type. Several opposing players will push each other trying to achieve possession. The lineout is important as well. The lineout is where parallel player lines from each team attempt to catch the ball from the touchline when it is throw.
League players do not contest possession after a tackle. Play will instead continue with a play-the-ball. If the thirteen-member team does not score within six tackles, they lose possession. Scrum still exists in the league code. The importance is reduced however as it involves a fewer number of players and is rarely contested. Many league positions are the exact same as in Union rules rugby games. However, league rugby has no flankers.
Subs do not take the number of the player they have subbed, but rather play with the number assigned at the start of the match.
This Rugby games glossary could not be complete without listing where the two types of games are played. The sport has caught on all across the globe and in each area; it has taken on a life and language of its own. Varied game terms are used in Australia and New Zealand vs. US and Europe.
The top-tier countries in this sport for overall enthusiasm and consistent play are England, Wales, France, Scotland, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, Italy, and South Africa. Japan and America are noted entries in the second or third-tier countries.
In some countries, such as Madagascar or Fiji, rugby games are considered the national sport. The same is true in South Africa, Wales, and New Zealand to name a few.