Rugby


RUGBY! Would you believe me when I tell you that rugby derived from soccer? In countries like the UK, football can mean either soccer or rugby. In SA, football refers to soccer as it’s played by a player’s foot. Rugby means to play a game of physical contact. We say “Rugby is not for sissies”!

The origin dates back to 1823 when a boy by the name of William Webb Ellis, had a disregard for soccer rules and picked up the ball in his hands and ran with it. The trophy for the World Cup of Rugby was named after this boy and is known as the “William Webb Ellis Trophy”. Much controversy exists on whom and when it started, as there is said to be signs of it even before 1823. But no clear rules and game plans were documented before this time.

But in 1871 we saw the first Rugby Union formed in London. Now there was set rules for the game and implemented to the now known “RUGBY”. In 1895 the rules was again reviewed and the “Rugby League” was founded consisting of 13 players at the time. Today, it is played by either side of 15 players.

Many changes had been made to the game’s rules over the years to make it safer as many young men lost their lives playing rugby. Injuries in this sport are very common, even today. Earlier history indicates that this contact sport was dangerous and threatened to be banned due to deaths among players. Rules were introduced to discipline players for: high tackles, tackling a player in the air, collapsing a scrum, ect. A player can even be suspended for weeks and face a disciplinary committee in case of dangerous play. The referee can send player off the field with a yellow card (10 min in the “sin bin”), or a red card. When given a red card, your fate is sealed to face this disciplinary committee. On the field at time of play, the opposition team will be given a long-arm-penalty and can convert it into points.

Today, rugby is played in over 80 countries across the world. Known for its fast play, spectators loves the adrenaline action attractions! This is one sport where we see physical human giants and that size matters in the forwards.  For the backs, speed is everything! If I’m asked the question of “how can I get rid of anger”, my reply is always: Watch Rugby! It is a loved sport for players and spectators.
It used to be known as a “winter sport”, but with all 80 countries contesting for the no 1 spot, we can follow it right through the year. Also divided into the “North hemisphere and South hemisphere”, one can enjoy the Six-Nations of the North, and the Tri-Nations of the South. And then we witness club rugby taken to the International arena in the form of the “Super 14 Super Rugby”. On this level, we also see growth as more club teams are added annually. Also, we now see 7’s rugby. But 7’s rugby is a different ball game, though the rules are the same.

So, no matter where in the world you’re from, Rugby will entertain and excite you! Enjoy updates, fixtures and logs on Rugby right here on AMUSE.

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