Rugby league
Introduction
Rugby league is a full-contact sport that originated in England in the late 19th century. It is one of the two main forms of rugby, the other being Rugby Union. The sport is played by two teams of thirteen players on a rectangular field with goal posts at each end. The primary objective of the game is to score more points than the opposing team by advancing the ball down the field and scoring tries or kicking goals.
History
The sport of rugby league originated from a split in the Rugby Football Union (RFU) in 1895. This split was primarily due to disagreements over the payment of players, leading to the formation of the Northern Rugby Football Union (NRFU), which later became the Rugby Football League (RFL) in 1922. The NRFU initially adopted the same rules as the RFU, but over time, changes were made to create a faster-paced and more spectator-friendly game, resulting in the sport we now know as rugby league.
Rules and Gameplay
Rugby league is played on a rectangular field measuring 68 meters wide and 112-122 meters long. The game is played over two halves of 40 minutes each, with a 10-minute half-time break. Each team is allowed four substitutes, and a player can be substituted at any time during the game.
The game begins with a kick-off and the teams compete for possession of the ball. The team with the ball (the attacking team) has six tackles to attempt to score a try or kick a goal. If they fail to do so, possession is handed over to the opposing team (the defending team).
A try, worth four points, is scored when a player places the ball on or over the goal line. A goal kick, worth two points, can be attempted after a try (a conversion), a penalty, or a drop goal. The team with the most points at the end of the game is declared the winner.
Governing Bodies
The international governing body for rugby league is the International Rugby League (IRL). The IRL oversees the rules of the game, organizes international competitions, and promotes the sport globally. National governing bodies, such as the Rugby Football League in England and the National Rugby League (NRL) in Australia, manage the sport at the domestic level.
Major Competitions
The most prestigious international competition in rugby league is the Rugby League World Cup, which is held every four years. The tournament features teams from around the world, with Australia, New Zealand, and England traditionally being the strongest teams.
At the domestic level, the NRL in Australia and the Super League in Europe are the premier rugby league competitions. These leagues feature clubs from their respective regions and are highly competitive, attracting top players from around the world.
Popularity and Influence
Rugby league is most popular in England, Australia, New Zealand, and France, where it is a major spectator sport. The sport has also gained popularity in other countries, including Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and Tonga. Rugby league has had a significant influence on other sports, with its rules and format being adapted for other codes of rugby and American football.