Rugby and American football may share similarities in terms of physicality and strategy, but they have significant differences that set them apart from each other. Rugby originated in England in the 19th century, while American football was created in the United States in the late 1800s based on rugby and other sports. The fields, balls, rules, equipment, scoring, game duration, physicality, and strategy used in both sports are all different. Rugby’s strategy is focused on maintaining possession of the ball and breaking defense while, in contrast, American football’s strategy is more focused on set plays and exploiting the opponent’s weaknesses.

Rugby vs. American Football: A Collision of Different Styles

Rugby and American football are both popular contact sports that involve a lot of physicality and strategy. Although they share similarities, there are significant differences between the two that set them apart from each other. In this article, we will compare and contrast rugby and American football to understand the unique aspects of these two sports.

History and Origin

Rugby and American football have different beginnings. Rugby originated in England in the 19th century, where it was played as a variation of football. In contrast, American football has its roots in rugby and other sports such as soccer and Gaelic football. It created in the United States in the late 1800s.

The Field

The rugby and American football fields are also different. A rugby field is rectangular-shaped, and it measures 100 meters long and 70 meters wide. The American football field is 120 yards long and 53.33 yards wide, with a rectangular shape that includes two end zones.

The Ball

The ball used in rugby and American football also has notable differences. A rugby ball is oval-shaped, made of leather, and is larger than an American football. In contrast, an American football is an oblong-shaped ball that is made of leather and is smaller than a rugby ball.

The Rules

The rules in rugby and American football are different, too. Rugby has fewer rules than American football. For example, in rugby, players are not allowed to pass the ball forward, and the ball can only be kicked backward or laterally. In contrast, in American football, passing forward is permitted, and the ball can be thrown in any direction.

Equipment

The equipment used in rugby and American football is also different. In rugby, players wear a simple uniform with a jersey, short, and boots. In contrast, American football players wear helmets, shoulder pads, and mouth guards to protect themselves from injuries.

The Scoring

The scoring system in rugby and American football is also different. In rugby, a player scores points by carrying the ball across the opponent’s goal line and touching it to the ground, which is called a “try.” In contrast, in American football, a player scores points by carrying the ball across the opponent’s goal line or catching a pass in the end zone, which is called a “touchdown.”

The Game Duration

The game duration of rugby and American football is also different. A standard rugby match lasts for 80 minutes, with two halves of 40 minutes each. In contrast, an American football game is divided into four quarters, each lasting for 15 minutes.

The Physicality

The level of physicality in rugby and American football is also different. Rugby is considered to be an extremely physical sport, with constant tackling and scrummaging. In contrast, American football has more stop-and-start gameplay, and the physicality is more focused on short bursts of high impact collisions.

The Strategy

Lastly, the strategy used in rugby and American football is also different. In rugby, the strategy is focused on maintaining possession of the ball and breaking the defense. In contrast, in American football, the strategy is more focused on set plays and exploiting the opponent’s weaknesses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, rugby and American football are two distinct sports that offer unique experiences for players and fans. Despite their differences, they both require physicality, strategy, and teamwork to succeed. Whether you prefer the constant flow of rugby or the stop-and-start gameplay of American football, there is something for everyone in both these exciting sports.