What is the difference between rugby league and rugby union?

satguru

So many, except if you can play one you can switch to the other with little effort. Firstly the number of tackles is limited in league, and you can pass under your foot instead of throwing behind you. They have 13 (I think) instead of 15 players, and though I've never watched it I suspect the points scored vary as well. League originated in the north of England, and the biggest difference was it was paid, whereas till not long ago union was voluntary at all levels. It first came south with London Broncos who played at Fulham FC. Jun 30 06, 8:02 PM

romeomikegolf

Until 1895 there was no diffrerence, then because of an inquiry into 'transfer fees' the northern clubs broke away from the rest of the country. They then became proffessional.The main differences are as Sat says, in League there are 13 players per team as opposed to 15 in Union. In league when you are tackled you can back heel the ball to a team mate, and after six successful tackles there is a scrum. Also in League when the ball goes out of play over the side line there is a scrum instead of a lineout as in Union. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport/hi/english/static/in_depth/rugby_union/features/guide_to_laws/default.stm The two links will take you to sites that explain the Laws of both codes. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/low/rugby_league/rules_and_equipment/default.stm You'll have to copy and paste the second one as the site seems to only allow one link per answer. Jun 30 06, 10:28 PM

timence

There are many differences, including those mentioned above. Rugby league has set scrums as opposed to line-outs when the ball goes out of play. League players get up and play the ball with their foot when tackled, while in union the play continues with a 'ruck' or 'mall' (opposition teams essentially fight for possession in play). The scoring is also quite different: a try in leagus is 4 pts and 5 in union. Penalty goals are worth 3 in union (2 in league) and drop goals are worth 3 in union (1 in league). See here for more details: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_difference_between_rugby_league_and_rugby_union Apr 01 12, 9:08 PM