Rugby Union

Rugby Union: The Global Game

Originated in England during the early 1900’s, rugby union has become a globalised contact team sport. It is a game that reaches out to athletes with different body shapes, sizes and abilities. In recent years, the sport has expanded its targeted audience, providing women the opportunity to play 15 and 7 aside rugby in a professional arena. Indeed, the game has further developed with the introduction of rugby 7’s at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Through rugby becoming an Olympic sport, it accompanies World Cups in affirming the position of rugby union being a global game.

 

History:

In 1845, the first laws of rugby union were founded by pupils attending the Rugby School, more notably William Webb-Ellis. Legend has it that during a game of soccer, Webb-Ellis was so bored with the slow pace of the game, that he picked up the ball and ran. Thus creating rugby union. In light of this, the Rugby World Cup trophy is named after William Webb-Ellis in the significant role he played in forming the game.   

(source: http://www.the42.ie/italy-rugby-world-cup-2023-1976229-Mar2015/ ) 

About Rugby Union:

There are two types of rugby union, in the form of 7 aside and 15 aside rugby throughout all ages. Although they both have different playing numbers, they co-inside with the rules and regulations of the game. Rugby is a contact sport, that involves trying as a team to get the oval shaped ball over a try line to score points, meanwhile the opposition aims to tackle and disrupt the attack. Rugby is split into positions of forwards and backs. It is these positions that provides the structure of the game, as each position has a different role.

To learn more about rugby watch this short video.

Competitions Around The Globe:

Major International Competitions 

- Northern Rugby 7's Olympics 

- Rugby World Cup 

Major Domestic Competitions 

- Northern Hemisphere Competitions =  English Premiership, Top 14 and Pro12

- Southern Hemisphere Competitions - Super Rugby and The Rugby Championship

World Rugby Rankings: 

1. New Zealand                         
2. England 
3. Australia
4. Ireland 
5. Scotland
6. France
7. South Africa 
8. Wales
9. Argentina 
10. Fiji 
11. Japan 
12. Georgia 
13. Tonga 
14. Samoa 
15. Italy 
16. Romania 
17. United States 
18. Spain 
19. Namibia 
20. Russia 

Future Directions:

In order for the game to continue to move forward and grow further. International competitions must occur regularly in the Asia Pacific. This would allow young children to aspire to be like their international rugby heroes, while further teaching the world about this game we call rugby union. 

Written By, 

Hamish Southwell