Under The UON Posts covers all things Rugby Union but, have you ever wondered what the key differences are between Rugby Union and Rugby League?

Both games share a common basis but have developed their own distinct rules and codes which make them the game they are.

The first difference between the two is the number of players on the field. In Rugby Union, there are 15 players on each team at any point in the game consisting of 8 forwards and 7 backs. However, in Rugby League, there are 13 players on each team at any given time. The difference in the number of players changes the style of play in each sport.

The scoring system in both League and Union is very similar with the idea of scoring tries and conversions. In Rugby Union, a try is worth five points and a conversion is worth two points but, in Rugby League, a try is worth slightly less being worth four points but a conversion kick is still worth two points.

Whilst Union and League are both 80-minute games split into 40-minute halves, in Union the referee has the power to stop the clock for certain events however, in League, the clock runs continuously and doesn’t stop unless there is significant events which would require the clock to be stopped.

The most significant difference between Union and League is when it comes down to tackling. In Leagues the ball must be passed between their legs and rolled back with their foot to a teammate mate this is allowed to happen six times per possession before the ball must then be kicked away if a try has failed to be scored. In Rugby Union, the ball is to be picked up as long as the player is on their feet and onside.

So in summary the two games have a similar origin but have developed their own rules and aspects which is what makes the two games so different.