Where did rugby come from? (to be continued)
Rugby is a team sport which consists of two teams playing a rugby football on grass. It was played in English schools throughout the 19th century.
In Rugby Union, each playing team has 15 people. The rugby ball weighs 382 – 425 grams, made of leather and the playing field has the measurement of 95-100 meters long and 65 – 68 meters wide. At the end of the field, there is a H-shaped goal which is 3.5 – 6.1 m high, 5.65 m wide, 3 m high crossbar. The players will score if the ball hits the opponent’s goal. If the ball is sent after the line, 5 points will be awarded and the team then gains an additional right to kick the ball on the crossbar to receive 2 more points. If if the players kick the ball (direct kick or free kick) then miss the goal above the crossbar, 3 points will be counted. Unlike football, rugby players have the right to utilize both arms and legs. If the ball is passed by hand, the player may only pass it backwards. If by foot, the player is passed in all directions.
In the Rugby League, each team has 13 people, the playing ball and pitch like Union. However, the rugby league only allows 6 players to be dropped to the ground for scoring. If after 6 times the team does not score any goals, the ball will be transferred to the other team. In addition, kicking on the direct bar will only get 1 instead of 3 like Union and the free kick will get 2 points. Dribbling the ball towards the end of the pitch gets a 4 and a 2-point chance instead of 5 and a 2-point chance.