Rugby football gained it's first set of rules in 1845 but after a disagreement over the payment of players it split into two codes, Rugby Union (with 15 a-side also has 7 a side (Rugby 7's)) and Rugby League (with 13 a side) this article is about Rugby Union.
Rugby union is a world sport with a keen competition between the northern and southern hemispheres. However each hemisphere has a structured set of competition between countries and also at club level.
The Rugby Union World Cup is an extremely popular event receiving massive TV audiences indicating Rugby's rise in popularity with the general public. Maybe it's the desire to watch a very physical game played by some of the most athletic people on the planet? Maybe the almost chess like tactics appeal? Or perhaps the fact that the referee is in charge and the self discipline and respect for the laws of the game that appeal? Personally I believe it is mix of all these and more.
South Africa are the current world champions having defeated England, the then world champions, in an enthralling final in the Stade de France in September 2007.
The Six Nations championship featuring Wales, Scotland, England, France, Italy and Ireland takes place from February each year, Wales won the 6 nations in 2008, and is an excellent showcase of the sport. The Southern Hemisphere main competition is known as the Tri – Nations and includes New Zealand (All Blacks), Australia (Wallabies) , and South Africa
(Springboks)
It is difficult to name players as I'm bound to miss someone's favourite off the list but here are some the most well known players, some past some present, Gareth Edwards, JPR Williams, Barry John (Wales); Jonah Lomu, Michael Jones, George Nepia (New Zealand); Bill Beaumont, Martin Johnson, Johnny Wilkinson (England), Serge Blanco, Philippe Sella, Jo Maso (France). Other names you may have heard of are: Gavin Hastings, Ieuan Evans, Joost van der Westhuizen, Francois Pienaar, Willie John McBride.
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