Rugby League vs Rugby Union

To casual observers the games of rugby union and rugby league probably look to be the same. Players celebrate when they touch the ball down at the end of the field; they attempt to kick the ball between the two posts at either end; the ball looks the same in each sport; both games are played by big monsters of people, the biggest of which smash into each other in some kind of mass huddle known as a scrum, and both sports involve people colliding into each other with no protective padding or regard for their own safety.

In many ways, however, the similarities end there. I have compiled a list of articles that help explain the differences between the two sports.

5 Differences between Rugby and Rugby League.
Here's a quick run down of the basic differences written by Zane Thomas. This is a good article to quickly get an idea of the key differences between rugby league and rugby union.

Kicking the Ball Out in Rugby Union and Rugby League
In both rugby union and rugby league play stops when the ball is kicked out, and the use of this is of strategic importance to both. This article details the different rules surrounding kicking the ball out in each sport, and what it means tactically.

The Scrum in Rugby Union and Rugby League
In both sports a scrum is formed when the ball goes forward off one of the players, either through a forward pass or knock-on. However, while the scrums look the same they are actually quite different. This article explains the difference between each.

The Ruck and the Tackle Ball in Rugby Union and Rugby League
This is an extremely important area of difference between rugby and league. It actually divides fans as to why it makes their respective sport better than the other. This article explains the basic premise of the how the ruck in rugby union and the tackle ball in rugby league differ, and how it effects each sport.

Rugby League and Rugby Union - The 40-20 Versus the 22 Metre Rule
Here is an article that contrasts two of the quirkier rules from rugby union and rugby league, the 40-20 metre kicking rule and the 22 metre rule.

We have watched many top-level players switch between the two codes over the years. Before rugby union turned professional many amateur players turned to rugby league. Examples of this included All Black great Inga 'Inga the Winger' Tuigamala and Australian Rugby League legend Ricky Stewart. These days the move from union to league is almost unheard of. Now rugby league stars are the ones looking for the bigger pay cheque and switch to rugby union. Recent example of this include Sonny Bill Williams, Craig Gower, Ryan Cross and Mark Gasnier.Of those, Craig Gower and Ryan Cross have gone onto play international rugby tests.

Despite being professional athletes, the switch between rugby and league is not easy. Lote Tuqiri's conversion back from Rugby Union and Rugby League marks the return back to rugby league of the three big signings of 2002 - Tuqiri, Mat Rogers, and Wendell Sailor. All three signed with the Australian Rugby Union with much fanfare, and all three went on to reach the pinnacle of both sports. However, all three also returned back to league amid somewhat of a cloud. Tuqiri and Sailor had their contracts terminated, and Mat Rogers requested a release for personal reasons.

These two articles discuss some of the technical and cultural divides players face when converting between rugby union and rugby league. Both articles use Lote Tuqiri as an example.

Rugby Union versus Rugby League: The Cultural Divide

Rugby Union versus Rugby League: The Technical Issues

I am based in New Zealand and I enjoy writing about rugby, movies and music and am also interested in property investment and travel. I operate a rugby blog and a site dedicated to Tarantino movies and merchandise and contribute to a Property Investment Tips site.