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Rugby is a full-contact team sport played with an oval ball on a rectangular pitch, where two teams of 15 players (Rugby Union) or 13 players (Rugby League) carry, kick, or pass the ball to score points by grounding it in the opponent's try-zone.

Unlike American football, rugby features continuous play without downs, no forward passing, and no protective equipment beyond a mouthguard. Rugby originated in England in 1823, predating American football by nearly 50 years.

American football evolved from rugby in 1869 but developed distinct features: forward passing, specialized positions, protective gear, and stop-start play with downs. While both sports involve carrying an oval ball and physical contact, rugby emphasizes endurance with 80 minutes of continuous action, while American football focuses on explosive plays within a structured down system of over 60 minutes of game clock.

In rugby, only the player with the ball can be tackled or touched, while in American football, any player can be tackled, with blocking a fundamental part of the sport. Both sports are considered the toughest mainstream sports in the world.

Rugby Basics: Understanding the Sport

What Is Rugby Sport?

There are two main types of rugby: Rugby Union, where each team has 15 players on the field, and Rugby League, where each team has 13 players. Like American football, the goal of both rugby union and rugby league is to get the ball over the opponent's goal line and score a try.

In terms of the main rugby vs football differences, Rugby League is much more similar to American football due to the limited possession rule, where the ball is turned over to the opposing team after a set number of passes. The field sizes are also different, as a rugby pitch is 100 meters long and 70 meters wide, making it larger than an American football field at 109.7 meters long and 48.8 meters wide. A rugby game lasts exactly 80 minutes with two 40-minute halves of continuous play.

How Rugby Is Played

A difference between rugby and American football is that rugby runs continuously for 80 minutes. There are no downs or stoppages that stop the clock, which runs during stoppages for scrums, lineouts, and conversions. The only time the clock is stopped in rugby is for significant delays such as injuries, TMO (Television Match Official) reviews, or disciplinary actions.

Another key difference is that in rugby, the ball can only be passed backwards or laterally. If the ball goes forward out of the hands, it is a foul. However, any player can kick the ball forward. Another key difference between rugby and American football is tackling. When a rugby player gets tackled, the play isn't stopped unless a foul, such as a high tackle, is committed. Instead, the player must release the ball immediately. If a minor infraction is committed, such as a knock-on or forward pass, play is restarted with a scrum and the opposite team gets to put the ball in.

Here is a more detailed look at rugby rules and gameplay and other aspects of the game.

Scoring in Rugby

In rugby football, there are more ways to score than in American football. A try, which is scored when a player puts the ball on the ground on or past the try line, is worth 5 points. Once a try has been scored, the team has a chance to add another 2 points with a conversion.

This is where the ball is kicked from a specific place on the pitch, dependent on where the try was scored, and the ball must go between the two goal posts and above the connecting post. This applies to all kicks. If a serious infraction has occurred, the fouled team is awarded a penalty kick at goal, which is worth 3 points. A player can also try for 3 points in open play with a drop kick. American football only has three ways to score: a touchdown, worth 6 points, an extra point, worth 1 point, and a field goal, worth 3 points.

Rugby Ball vs Football: Design & Purpose

The ball used in each sport is quite different despite being a similar shape. Below is a rugby ball vs football comparison.

Why the Differences Matter:

The differences in ball shape matter because of how each sport is played. A rugby ball's oval shape and textured surface are designed for lateral passing, allowing the players to easily grip and run with the ball and for different ways to kick. In open play, the oval shape allows for a more stable bounce when the ball is drop-kicked. However, it is still very unpredictable on the bounce, making kicking it much more strategic.

The ball in American football has pointed ends, a smooth surface, and laces that allow for long spiral throws and one-handed catches. The aerodynamic design, especially the pointed tips, helps quarterbacks throw the ball in tight spirals with high velocity and accuracy over long distances. The laces provide grip and control, particularly during the throw, which is critical in executing complex passing plays.

Unlike in rugby, forward passes are allowed and are a central aspect of the game. The shape of the football also affects how it bounces, often leading to erratic movement when dropped or fumbled. This unpredictability can influence turnovers and field position. Additionally, while both rugby and American football involve kicking, the ball's design in American football caters more to specific roles like punting, placekicking, and drop-kicking, each requiring precision and technique adapted to the ball's shape and weight.

Click here for an extensive American football equipment details guide.

Key Rule Differences: Rugby vs American Football

Though rugby and American football are often seen as the same type of full contact sport, the rules for each are very different as the below table shows.

The Tackle Difference

Tackling is a major part of rugby and American football. In rugby, the tackler brings the player with the ball down by wrapping his arms anywhere below the shoulders. Targeting the hips, thighs, and lower legs is the most effective way to bring the ball carrier down. Once on the ground, the tackler must immediately release and roll away, and the tackled player must immediately either pass, place, or release the ball. A tackle above the shoulders or leading with the head is a serious foul, and the offending player could be sin-binned for 10 minutes or even sent off. These rules are strictly enforced because, outside of a mouth guard, rugby players don't wear protective gear.

When answering the question, is rugby like football, American tackling rules is one area where the sports overlap. American football tackles must be made below the neck and above the knees. There can be no leading with the helmet, and any contact with the head and neck is considered dangerous and is penalized. The tackling style in American football is much more head-on and direct compared to rugby. Football players can also tackle anyone with or without the ball. This forceful and direct tackling style is why football players wear helmets, shoulder pads, and leg pads to minimize the risk and frequency of serious injuries.

Another key difference lies in player specialization. Rugby players often play both offense and defense during a match, requiring well-rounded skills and endurance. In football, players are highly specialized—quarterbacks, linemen, receivers, and defenders each train for specific roles. This leads to highly choreographed plays and role-specific strategies that are central to the sport.

Why No Forward Pass in Rugby?

The no-forward-pass rule is what separates rugby from the majority of ball sports. Rugby was developed in the early 19th century in England and evolved from soccer with a greater emphasis on running with the ball to gain ground rather than passing forward. This rule made rugby far more strategic and team-focused than soccer. In order to win the game, the team with the ball must find ways to outmanoeuvre the opposing team, either by forcing the ball through the tackle line or passing around it.

Which Came First: Rugby or American Football?

The Historical Timeline:

• 1823: Rugby is believed to have been invented at Rugby School in England when William Webb Ellis supposedly picked up the ball and ran with it during a soccer match.
• 1845: The first official written rules of rugby were established by Rugby School.
• 1863–1871: Rugby formalizes as a sport and begins spreading internationally.
• 1869: The first American football game is played between Princeton and Rutgers. The rules resembled soccer more than rugby at this point.
• 1876: American football begins to adopt rugby-style rules under the influence of schools like Harvard, which had played matches with Canadian rugby teams.
• 1880–1906: American football starts diverging significantly from rugby. Rule changes introduced the line of scrimmage, downs system, and forward passing.

Did American Football Come From Rugby?

Yes – American football directly evolved from rugby. In the late 19th century, American colleges initially played a rugby-style game. Over time, rule changes led to the distinct version of American football we know today. Here are the key divergence points:

• 1869: The first intercollegiate football game is played between Rutgers and Princeton, using rules similar to rugby and soccer.
• 1876: American schools adopt rugby-style rules, formalizing the basis of American football.
• 1880: Walter Camp, considered the "Father of American Football," introduces the downs system to establish possession and structure.
• 1906: The forward pass is legalized to open up the game and reduce serious injuries, marking a major departure from rugby.
• 1920s onward: The game evolves further with innovations like the huddle, quarterback specialization, and complex formations.
• Protective equipment—including helmets, shoulder pads, and leg guards—is added as collisions become more intense and organized play demands better player safety.

Physical Demands & Injury Comparison

Fitness Requirements

Both rugby and American Football players are considered some of the fittest athletes in the world, with both sports requiring certain fitness levels to play. Rugby requires more overall cardio endurance and stamina than American football due to a match lasting 80 minutes of almost non-stop, continuous play.

The fitness requirements do differ between the forwards and the backs. Forwards prioritize overall strength and muscle mass and are larger than the backs, with an average weight of 246 lbs. Backs focus on speed and agility in order to break the tackling line and weigh on average 211 lbs.

American football fitness requirements include the power and speed for short explosive bursts of energy due to the stop-start nature of the sport. While American football players get more breaks during play, they also need the fitness to recover quickly between plays.

As with rugby, the size and weight of the player depend on their position. Offensive linemen average around 290–350 lbs, while defensive linemen average 283–310 lbs. The skill positions are much lighter, with a quarterback 210–230 lbs and a tight end 240–265 lbs.

Comparison Between Positions

Rugby Props / Hookers:
• Height: 5'10"–6'2" (178–188 cm)
• Weight: 240–270 lbs (110–122 kg)
• Strong and compact for scrummaging and rucking.

Football Offensive Linemen (Guards, Tackles, Center):
• Height: 6'3"–6'6" (190–198 cm)
• Weight: 300–330+ lbs (136–150+ kg)
• Heavier and taller, designed to anchor the line and protect the quarterback.

Back Row (Flankers & No. 8) vs Running Backs / Fullbacks
Rugby Back Row:
• Height: 6'1"–6'4" (185–193 cm)
• Weight: 220–245 lbs (100–111 kg)
• Agile, versatile, key in open play, turnovers, and defense.
Football Running Backs / Fullbacks:
• Height: 5'10"–6'1" (178–185 cm)
• Weight: 210–235 lbs (95–107 kg)
• Built for short bursts, power runs, and blocking.

Rugby Scrum-Half vs Football Quarterback
Rugby Scrum-Half (links forwards and backs):
• Height: 5'8"–5'10" (173–178 cm)
• Weight: 170–185 lbs (77–84 kg)
• Quick, tactical, and often directs play.
Football Quarterback:
• Height: 6'2"–6'5" (188–196 cm)
• Weight: 210–230 lbs (95–104 kg)
• Taller and heavier, serves as the central play-caller with a focus on passing and game management.

Injury Rates & Types

Rugby players often experience cuts, bruises, sprains, and shoulder injuries due to the lack of protective padding and the continuous, high-contact nature of the game. In contrast, American football players are more prone to concussions, knee injuries, and spinal trauma, largely because of the high-speed collisions and aggressive blocking techniques.

A well-known concept called the "protective equipment paradox" suggests that wearing helmets and pads in football may lead players to hit harder, increasing the risk of serious injuries. While both sports are physically demanding, rugby tends to produce more frequent but less severe injuries, whereas football results in fewer but often more traumatic injuries.

Learn about football sports safety comparisons here.

Rugby Positions vs Football Positions

Another key difference between the two sports is the position of the players and which players are on the pitch/field. In Rugby Union, each team has 15 players on the pitch divided into two main groups, forwards and backs. There are eight positions for forwards: 2 props, 1 hooker, 2 locks, 2 flankers, and 1 number eight; and seven positions for backs: 1 scrum-half, 1 fly-half, 2 centers, 2 wingers, and 1 full back. In Rugby League, there are 13 players.

Unlike American Football, where players can choose or be given any number, the numbers on the back of a rugby jersey, both Union and League, signify the position they are playing. The only exception is substitutes. Another key difference is that all rugby players play offense and defense, and despite size and weight differences, every professional player is expected to be able to tackle every player on the pitch.

In American football, the team is split into specialized units with an offensive line and a defensive line. When a team has possession of the ball and is trying to score a touchdown (it is not called a rugby touchdown in rugby, but a try), the offensive team is on the field. When a team is defending its goal, the defensive team is on the pitch. Unlike the offensive team, the rules of American football do not restrict the defensive team to certain positions. A defensive player can line up anywhere on his side of the line of scrimmage and perform any legal action.

If we were to make a comparison between rugby and American football positions, the defensive line would be the forwards, and the offensive line would be the backs. In rugby, the forwards are responsible for the physical contests, scrums, lineouts, and rucks—just as the defensive line in football is tasked with stopping the opposing offense and dominating the line of scrimmage. Conversely, the backs in rugby are more agile and strategic, akin to the offensive line in football, which coordinates to protect the quarterback and execute plays. Both sports value teamwork, strategy, and specialized roles to control possession and advance the game.

Global Popularity & Professional Leagues

Rugby and American football enjoy massive followings, but their reach and professional structures differ significantly across the globe.

Rugby is played in over 100 countries and commands a truly global presence. It boasts prestigious international competitions like the Rugby World Cup (click here for Rugby World Cup history), which draws millions of viewers worldwide and is one of the most-watched sporting events globally. Regional tournaments like the Six Nations Championship and The Rugby Championship keep fans engaged year-round. Additionally, professional leagues such as England's Premiership Rugby, France's Top 14, and Super Rugby offer high-level competition. Rugby sevens, a faster-paced version, was added to the Olympic Games in 2016.

American football, by contrast, is largely concentrated within the United States, where the NFL (National Football League) reigns supreme. The NFL is the richest and most commercially successful football league in the world, with the Super Bowl acting as a major cultural and sporting spectacle. Though American football has smaller leagues in countries like Canada, Japan, and Germany, none come close to matching the NFL's popularity. However, recent international efforts—such as hosting NFL games in London and Mexico City—aim to broaden the sport's appeal.

Ultimately, rugby's international roots contrast with American football's domestic dominance, each sport excelling in its own arena of influence.

Here are the global sports popularity rankings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is rugby like football?
Yes, rugby and American football share some similarities, including the use of an oval ball, tackling, and goal-based scoring. Both sports involve advancing the ball down the field to score, require high physicality, and are team-based. However, their gameplay, rules, and equipment differ significantly.

What's the difference between rugby and American football?
The key differences lie in play style and structure. Rugby is continuous, with fewer stoppages and no forward passing allowed, while American football is stop-start, built around set plays, and allows forward passes. Rugby has 15 players per side (in union format), and players wear minimal padding. In contrast, American football has 11 players per team on the field at a time, with specialized offensive and defensive units, and players wear helmets and extensive protective gear.

Is rugby football the same as American football?
Not quite. Rugby and American football share a common ancestry, but they've evolved into separate sports. The term "rugby football" refers to the original game developed in England, while "American football" is a later variant that introduced new elements like forward passes, downs, and blocking.

What is a rugby ball called?
A rugby ball is simply referred to as a "rugby ball." It's slightly larger and rounder than an American football, designed for kicking and easier handling during passes and scrums.

Is rugby harder than American football?
This is subjective and depends on what's meant by "harder." Rugby demands endurance due to its continuous play, while American football emphasizes explosive power and strategy. Both sports are physically demanding and carry their own set of risks and challenges.

Can NFL players play rugby?
Some NFL players have successfully transitioned to rugby and vice versa, though the skill sets aren't entirely interchangeable. Positions like running backs or linebackers may adapt well, but mastering rugby's rules and fluid style takes time.

Which sport is more dangerous?
Both sports carry injury risks. Rugby players tackle without pads, which can lead to concussions or joint injuries. American football has more protective gear, but the high-impact collisions and helmet-to-helmet contact pose serious risks. Statistically, American football has a higher rate of concussions, but rugby also sees frequent injuries due to its constant contact nature.

Related Pages

• Rugby World Cup Nations
• American Football Field Dimensions
• Rugby Sevens - Olympic Sport
• Flag Football - American Football Variation
• Rugby League World Cup
• Mini Rugby for Children

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