Rugby is a team sport that originated in England in the early 19th century. It is played with an oval-shaped ball on a rectangular field with goalposts at each end. The objective of the game is to score points by carrying the ball across the opponent’s goal line and grounding it, known as a try, or by kicking it through the opponent’s goalposts for a goal.
Rugby is characterized by physicality, strategic play, and teamwork. There are several variations of the sport, with the two most prominent being Rugby Union and Rugby League, which have different rules, number of players, and scoring systems. Rugby Union consists of 15 players per side, while Rugby League typically has 13 players.
The game involves several key aspects, including tackling, rucking, mauling, and passing the ball. Rugby players wear minimal protective gear to allow for the dynamic and physical nature of the sport. The game emphasizes values such as respect, discipline, and sportsmanship, and has a strong sense of community among its players and fans. Rugby is played professionally in many countries and has a significant following, with major international competitions like the Rugby World Cup attracting substantial global audiences.