History of rugby

The origin of rugby football is often credited to a young man named William Webb Ellis who "took the ball in his arms [i.e. caught the ball] and ran" while playing a form of football at Rugby school in 1823.

However historians have questioned the authenticity of this story, beginning with an official investigation by the Old Rugbeian Society in 1895. Nonetheless, the trophy for the Rugby World Cup bears the name of "Webb Ellis" in his honour, and a plaque at the school commemorates the "achievement."

From Wikipedia

Playing football has a long tradition in England, and football games had probably taken place at Rugby school for 200 years before three boys published the first set of written rules in 1845. However, the game they presented resembled "Hurling to Goal", described by Richard Carew in his 1602 work, 'Survey of Cornwall'. Cornish hurlers traveled to London to play 'demonstration matches' of the sport several times in the seventeenth century.

Until the formation of the Football Association (FA) in October 1863 opposing football teams agreed on a set of rules before each match. Teams that competed against each other regularly tended to agree to play a similar style of football.

Rugby football has a claim to the world's first "football clubs"; the Barnes Club (as it was known), formed in London in 1839, and Guy's Hospital Football Club (1843). However the continuity of these two clubs has not been established by documentation. Dublin University Football Club is the world's oldest documented football club in any code, having been formed in 1854; it currently plays rugby union in the All Ireland League Division Two. Likewise Edinburgh Academical Football Club was formed in Scotland in 1857-58. Blackheath Rugby Club was founded in 1858 and is the oldest documented rugby club in England. It was a founding member of The Football Association. When it became clear that the FA would not allow running with the ball in hand and to "charge, hold, trip or hack him, or to wrest the ball from him" ('hack' meaning to kick opposing players' legs, a feature of the rugby game at the time), Blackheath withdrew from the FA, just over a month after the initial meeting. Other rugby clubs followed this lead and did not join the FA.

For the next few years rugby clubs continued to agree on rules before the start of each game as they had always done, but on January 26, 1871, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) formed, leading to the standardisation of the rules for all clubs in England that played a variety of the Rugby school laws.[4] Soon most countries with a sizeable rugby community had formed their own national unions. In 1886, the International Rugby Board (IRB) become the world governing and law-making body for rugby. The RFU recognised it as such in 1890.

The introduction of rugby into New Zealand was by Charles John Monro, son of Sir David Monro, then speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives. The younger Monro had been sent to Christ's College, East Finchley, in north London, England. That school had adopted rugby rules and Monro became an enthusiastic convert. He brought the game back to his native Nelson, and arranged the first rugby match, between Nelson College and Nelson Football Club, on May 14, 1870. However a form of rugby was being played at Christ's College, Canterbury in 1853.[5]. In North America, rugby developed into American football and into Canadian football.

The 1890s saw a clash of cultures within the game, between working men's rugby clubs of northern England and predominantly middle-class southern clubs, a dispute revolving around the nature of professionalism within the game. Several clubs had made payments to their players to compensate for loss of working time, when either playing or training. These "broken time" payments were seen as an affront to the Corinthian ideal by the gentlemen who administered the game. On August 29, 1895 22 clubs split from the RFU and met at the George Hotel in Huddersfield to form the Northern Rugby Football Union (NRFU), commonly called the Northern Union (NU). NRFU rules gradually diverged from those of rugby union, although the name rugby league did not become official until the Northern Rugby League formed in 1901. The name Rugby Football League (RFL) dates from 1922. A similar schism opened up in Australia and other rugby-playing nations. Initially, rugby league in Australia operated under the same rules as rugby union. But after a tour by a professional New Zealand team in 1907 of Australia and Great Britain, and an Australian Rugby League tour of Great Britain the next year, rugby league teams in the southern hemisphere adopted rugby league rules. For clarity and convenience it became necessary to differentiate the two codes of rugby. The code played by those teams who remained in national organizations which were members of the IRB became known as "rugby union". The code played by those teams which played "open" rugby and allowed professionals as well as amateurs became known as "rugby league".

On August 26, 1995 the IRB declared rugby union an "open" game and removed all restrictions on payments or benefits to those connected with the game. It did this because of a committee conclusion that to do so was the only way to end the hypocrisy of shamateurism and to keep control of rugby union (there were rumours that Rupert Murdoch was planning to finance a Southern Hemisphere professional league). The move from amateurism to professionalism has arguably increased the quality of rugby being played. However, professionalism has meant a huge increase in the gap between the top nations and the second tier. Alongside the success stories there have been some famous rugby clubs which have not coped well with the new era. Increasing popularity in recent years has led to diversification; women's rugby is increasingly popular in the US and Canada.

The professionalisation of rugby union has created a larger and more international supporter base than before and very large crowds in international competitions. Sponsorship and club attendance is also increasing in rugby union, with many English premiership clubs seeking to expand their existing ground capacity. Attendances for major international rugby union matches are generally sell-outs. As rugby union has grown, the increased funds generated have allowed the opportunity for big money deals bringing top-level rugby league players over to rugby union.

Rules of Rugby pt.1

Rugby Mouthguard

Mouthguard All players on the rugby fiels must have a mouthguard, a small piece of equipment that the player wears in their mouth over their teeth. It is an essential part of the safety equipment needed to play for rugby. The guard protects the teeth, the gums and it also prevents a player from biting their tongue. The best mouthguards are custom made by a dentist taking a mould of the players mouth. The mouthguard is cast around this mould and the fit is perfect with a perfect fit to the mouth and the teeth. DIY unmoulded rubber mouthguards, which can be softened in hot water and then moulded to the teeth are also available.

Rules of Rugby pt.2

Body Protection

Body Protection As well as light helmets, shoulder padding and protective vests are increasingly being worn. The nature and maximum amount of the protective measures available are stipulated the International Rugby Board. This specifies that: shoulder padding will cover the shoulder and collar bone only and extend from the neck to a maximum of 2 cm down the upper arm. The padding is intended to give some protection to the bony prominences of the shoulder and clavicle. Padding on the chest and biceps are expressly forbidden (although permitted in Rugby League). All padded vests for use in rugby union must carry an IRB approval logo. Women players may also wear chest pads, also of soft, thin material. This is typically worn as part of a shoulder pad vest. Players may use fingerless gloves (also known as "mitts") to better grip the ball. Shin guards may also be worn under the socks, but only made of non-rigid fabric. Hard plastic or metal are prohibited in rugby kit. Any protective equipment that may cause injury to another player is prohibited. No form of metal is allowed in any rugby kit, except for studs on boots. Spectacles are prohibited for play; players may alternatively wear contact lenses. Rugby Headgear It is very common in rugby union to see players wearing a form of headgear known as the "scrum cap". This is intended simply to protect the ears of a player who is engaged in the scrum. Swollen ears left untreated, lead to the condition commonly known as 'cauliflower ears'. The traditional scrum cap is a thin cloth helmet with padding over the ears and held in place by a strap. Because of the close contact, buckles cannot be used. Players will often opt for a thin strip of cloth bandage held in place by electrical tape like a head band. Other players have taken to wearing padded headgear as well as forwards. This protects them from head injuries from accidental contact in play. headgear is strictly controlled by Regulation 12 of the IRB and must be made from as being made of soft, thin materials. Plastics are not permitte. The same Regulation 12 sets out testing standards for this equipment and it must carry an IRB approval logo. Whilst they may prevent some cuts and abrasions, such headgear has not been shown to stop the player suffering from concussion but it greatly reduces the pain that occurs when players knock heads.

Rules of Rugby pt.3

Rugby Boots

Modern Rugby boots are very similar to football / soccer boots, a slipper with a low profile delivering flexibility with low weight. Rugby boots generally have studs and for safety reasons, forwards must have studs in their boots. studs can be made from aluminium or a hard plastic. The design and materials must conform to the IRB regulations Referees must check all players' studs before a game to ensure that they all meet the standrd. Studs that are worn must be replaced before a player can join the game. This is to eliminate the potential for a stud causing a wound Generally there are two types of stud pattern worn: the 8 stud or the 6 stud. The 8 stud is most often worn by the tight forwards (props, hooker and locks) to provide them with extra grip for scrummaging and mauling. The 6 stud is worn by backs as it allows for more agility and quicker movement around the field. Plastic "blade" studs, common in soccer, are an increasingly frequent choice among backs .

Rules of Rugby pt.4

Rugby Equipment

Traditional rugby union kit a coloured jersey usually called a "rugby shirt". a second shirt of a different colour for 'away' matches shorts, long socks boots with studs padding can be worn on the head, the shoulders and the collarbone. Padding must be light and thin to meet standards. Players also wear a mouthguard to guard against concussion and chipping of the teeth. Rugby shirt and shorts Rugby shirts are very strong to counter the tugging and pulling in a game. But they also need to be light and comfortable too. Contemporary shirts use lightweight synthetic materials. Forwards wear shirts that have strengthened areas where their team-mates can hold onto. The back of a player's shirt will have his position number. In most scenarios, a sponsor's logo is on the front of the shirt. There are usually two shirts in use - a 'Home' shirt for normal matches and an 'away' shirt used when there is a clash with the other team's colours. Depending on the p[layer's position, his shirt may be very tight to make it more difficult for the opponent to grab Rugby shorts are made from heavy-duty cotton, reinforced to take the strains of rugby union. Forwards use special shorts for line-outs that are strengthened to take the strain when when they are lifted.

Rules of Rugby pt.5

A rugby union team consists of 15 players: eight forwards, numbered 1 to 8, and seven backs, numbered 9 to 15[1]. Depending upon the competition, there may be up to seven replacements (substitutes or reserves). Professional rugby contains seven reserves, with a player being allowed to be substituted only once, unless they are a front-row specialist player and are replacing an injured front-row player. Another exception to this rule is the "blood bin", where a player with a visible and bleeding injury must leave the field and then return to continue play after receiving treatment providing this is within 15 minutes of the player leaving the field (actual time, not game clock). A player sent to the blood bin may be replaced by another player during treatment. If the bloodied player returns to play within 15 minutes, it is not counted as a substitution. The main role of the forwards is to gain and retain possession of the ball. They take part in set pieces of the scrum and the line-out. Generally, forwards are larger than the backs, which generally makes them stronger but slower. Forwards also have a role in taking the ball forwards, but generally do so by driving into the opposing forwards. Increasingly back row forwards such as flankers and the number 8 are becoming athletic and fast, staying out of the breakdown to participate in running moves with the backs. The role of the backs is to move the game forward by running or kicking the ball. The scrum-half will gain possession of the ball from the forwards and usually feed it to the fly half also known as the outside half (no.10) who then controls how the attacking team will proceed. The backline will tend to score its tries by focusing on the tactical placement of players, creating holes in the opposition defense line. A successful backline will cause the opposition defense to commit too many players at strategic points creating space to open up for the faster, outside backs (wingers and fullback). The following diagram locates the various positions in the 15-man team. All members of the starting 15 wear jerseys, numbered from 1 to 15, and keyed to their positions (though alternatives exist; see rugby union positions and rugby union numbering schemes for more information). The first eight players, known as forwards or the pack, play in the scrum. The remaining seven players are the backs. Rugby union positions 1 Loosehead Prop 2 Hooker 3 Tighthead Prop 4 Lock 5 Lock 6 Blindside Flanker 8 Number 8 7 Openside Flanker 9 Scrum Half 10 Fly-half 12 Inside Centre 13 Outside Centre 11 Left Wing 14 Right Wing 15 Fullback Rugby Equipment Traditional rugby union kit a coloured jersey usually called a "rugby shirt". a second shirt of a different colour for 'away' matches shorts, long socks boots with studs padding can be worn on the head, the shoulders and the collarbone. Padding must be light and thin to meet standards. Players also wear a mouthguard to guard against concussion and chipping of the teeth. Rugby shirt and shorts Rugby shirts are very strong to counter the tugging and pulling in a game. But they also need to be light and comfortable too. Contemporary shirts use lightweight synthetic materials. Forwards wear shirts that have strengthened areas where their team-mates can hold onto. The back of a player's shirt will have his position number. In most scenarios, a sponsor's logo is on the front of the shirt. There are usually two shirts in use - a 'Home' shirt for normal matches and an 'away' shirt used when there is a clash with the other team's colours. Depending on the p[layer's position, his shirt may be very tight to make it more difficult for the opponent to grab Rugby shorts are made from heavy-duty cotton, reinforced to take the strains of rugby union. Forwards use special shorts for line-outs that are strengthened to take the strain when when they are lifted.

Rules of Rugby pt.6

The Game

A rugby union game is called a 'Match'. It is a competition between two teams

Each match lasts for 80 minutes plus time added to account for injuries and stoppages during the game.

A match consists of two halves of 40 minutes each. It is controlled by a single referee on the firld of play, two assistant referees (touch judges), and in professional matches, a match official called the video referee who can use television replays to rule on a particular incident.

The object of the entire game is that each team scores as many points as possible. The team with the greater number of points when time is over wins the match.

Scoring

Points are scored by either scoring a try or a goal.

A try is only scored when the player takes the ball across the goal line and grounds the ball. Grounding happens when the ball is on the ground and the player's hand is on the ball. This 'try' is worth 5 points.

A goal is scored by kicking the ball between the uprights and above the crossbar of the goal posts. T

here are three ways to score a goal:

1. a dropped goal (scored in open play where the ball must hit the ground immediately before it is kicked);
2. a penalty goal (awarded after the opposing side infringes against the laws of rugby and may be kicked from a stationary ground position or by drop kick); and
3. a conversion (awarded after a try is scored) by either a drop kick or a place kick. A penalty or dropped goal is worth 3 points; a conversion is worth 2 points.

The Playing Area

The pitch must have 100 meters or less between the goalposts and an in-goal area behind each post. The length of the in-goal must be between 10 meters 22 meters.

The pitch must be less than or equal to 70 meters wide.

The goal posts are 'H' shaped and are placed in the middle of the goal line. The two uprights are placed exactly 5.6 metres apart and the crossbar that links them is 3 meters above the ground.

Playing the game

The team currently with the ball (called 'having possession') moves the ball up the field toward his opponent's goal line or to try for a dropped goal. These are the only two ways a team can score in 'open play'.

In moving the ball up the field, the team with possession meets with the defending team who wish to

1. stop their opponent's progress; or
2. take control of the ball (A 'turn over')
3. attack the other goal

This process is repeated until

• Someone violates the Laws of the game - a foul;
• the ball moves off the field of play - into touch; or a
• try or goal is scored.

Ball Travel

The team in possession may choose to advance by kicking the ball forward. The ball may be passed from one player's hand to another as long as the ball does not travel forwards in the pass. Rugby union is one of the few ball games where the ball cannot be passed forwards.

Offside

Any player who is part of the attacking team must be behind the ball to take an active part in the game. A player taking up a position between the ball carrier and the opposition goal is offside and may not join the game or interfere with play.

Tackling

The defending team who wants to take possession will tackle the ball carrier to stop him and make him release the ball. A tackle consists of grabbing hold of the opposing player and bringing them to ground.

A tackled player must either pass or release the ball otherwise a foul is called.Releasing the ball allows the opposition to contest possession of the loose ball in open play. Play continues like this until a rule is broken or the ball goes out of play.

Line Out

If the ball goes into touch it is thrown back into play. This may be taken quickly from one player to a member of his own team. More usual is the 'line-out'; here, both teams line up in equal numbers, one metre apart and contest a ball thrown between them.

Restarts

If the game stops because a rule has been broken, play restarts with either

• a scrum,
• free kick or
• penalty kick

The decision whether to award a Penalty Kick or a Free kick rests with the refereeing team and is dependent on the nature and severity of the infringement. A penalty is a more severe award than a free kick

Kicking for Goal

The attacking team may score by kicking the ball between the posts and above the cross-bar. When attempting to kick for goal the ball may only be kicked from the ground:

In the case of a place such as a penalty kick the ball can sit in a small plastic cradle or pile of sand. From open play, the player drops the ball to the ground and kicks it - this takes skill and timing.

A successful kick at goal is worth three points.

Scoring a Try

The most prized and most valuable scoring method is a 'try' attained by grounding the ball in the in-goal area behind the goal line. This is worth five points.

Conversion

After scoring a try, the attacking team are awarded the opportunity to have a free kick at the goal. This is called a conversion

The conversion kick is taken from a point between the two sets of posts directly in line with where the ball touched the ground for the try. The ball may be any distance away from the posts as long as it is along that line.

Kicking the ball between the two upright posts makes a 'converted try' and brings an additional two points