From Rugby World · · 2m
Rugby Union vs Rugby League: Key Differences
Rugby union and league split over 150 years, with 15 vs 13 players, different scoring, and no lineouts in league.
In brief
Rugby union and league split over 150 years, with 15 vs 13 players, different scoring, and no lineouts in league. Rugby union and league diverged in 1895 over professionalism, with union using 15 players and league 13, different scoring rules, and no lineouts. Originally reported by Rugby World.
Quick answers
- Rugby Union vs Rugby League: What Are The Differences?
- The two sports started the same but have spent over a century as separate codes.
- What is the key takeaway from Rugby Union vs Rugby League: Key Differences?
- Rugby union and league diverged in 1895 over professionalism, with union using 15 players and league 13, different scoring rules, and no lineouts.
Rugby Union vs Rugby League: What Are The Differences?
The two sports started the same but have spent over a century as separate codes.
Key Differences in Team Composition
Rugby union uses 15 players per team, rugby league uses 13 players per team.
Scrum Rules Differ
Rugby union has an eight-player scrum with regular resets, rugby league has a six-player scrum with quick restarts.
Lineouts Only in Rugby Union
Rugby league has no lineouts, so no mauls, and uses tap-and-go kicks to restart play.
Scoring Rules Vary
A try in rugby union is worth five points, in rugby league it's four points.
Sin Bin Rule
Both sports use a sin bin for ten-minute yellow card penalties.
Rugby League's 50:22 Rule
World Rugby introduced the 50:22 kick as a law trial in 2021 to reward good kicking.
Rugby League's 6-Tackle Rule
Rugby league has a 'set of six' rule where teams get six tackles to score a try.
Positions and Numbers
Rugby union has 15 positions, rugby league has 13 positions with no flankers.
History of the Split
The split began in 1895 when clubs formed the Northern Rugby Football Union over professionalism.
Clash of the Codes
Bath Rugby and Wigan RLFC played a historic clash of the codes in 1996.
Sale Sharks Crossed Codes
Sale Sharks played rugby union for the first half and rugby league in the second half in 2003.
745 Game for MND
Leeds Rhinos hosted the 745 Game in honor of Rob Burrow for MND research.
Rugby League World Cup
The Rugby League World Cup is underway in Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea.
Rugby Union vs Rugby League: The History
Rugby union and league split over 150 years, with union using 15 players and league 13.
The takeaway
Rugby union and league diverged in 1895 over professionalism, with union using 15 players and league 13, different scoring rules, and no lineouts.
