How To Play Rugby

While many myths abound concerning the origin of the game of rugby, the only bit of ‘concrete’ evidence to be found is on a stone monument outside Rugby School in England. It states: "This stone commemorates the exploit of William Webb Ellis who with a fine disregard for the rules of football, as played in his time, first took the ball in his arms and ran with it, thus originating the distinctive features of the rugby game, AD 1823." Unfortunately, this too is a myth. In reality, football (also known as soccer in America) allowed a certain amount of ball handling until the Football Association was formed in 1860. In 1871 the Rugby Football Union was formed.

BBC News Learn who William Webb Ellis was
Napit The history of Rugby from 1400 through the present
Scotland Rugby’s history in Scotland
Samoa Rugby Union The Samoan version of rugby’s invention

The reason people play rugby is to score more points than their opponent. An oval ball is carried, passed or kicked into the scoring zone and then hopefully over the bar. The ball carrier may be tackled, and rule breaking results in penalties. While many sports fans believe that American Football, also known as the Gridiron, evolved from rugby, some of the major differences include not wearing protective gear (like helmets), and the ball cannot be thrown forward.

Platt How to play rugby and helpful hints to make the game better
Wildcat The three different ways to score points
Rugby Tactics A list of animated rugby moves and tactics
Coaching Ideas for tactical moves and dynamic strategies
Maine Easy to understand basic rules, positions and diagrams
Wayne State University A comprehensive list of toned down rules for the rookie.
Sidestep A list of the rules and descriptions of the ball and goal
Action Photos Pictures of great action moments of the game
Creek Rugby Rules and also suggestions for buying the proper footwear

Rugby is a truly worldwide sport, and no single country has a monopoly on being the number one team for an extended period of time.

Queensland Reds Action photos of the QR Reds 2010 season
The IRB The International Rugby Board’s list of top teams
1908 Championship rugby in the southern hemisphere in the 20^th century

Rugby is not a sport that everyone can play because it requires great physical ability and stamina, but it is one in which every player can receive the glory they deserve. Rugby is a sport of physical contact but it also keeps the player in contact with the past because of the rich history and tradition of the sport.