American Reacts to Rugby Rules

[@DruncanUK]

That video missed out one very important rule: Respect! Rugby players are expected to respect the opposing team by applauding both the team and the referee at the end of a match. There is a saying in UK that football (soccer) is a gentleman's game played by hooligans while rugby is a hooligan's game played by gentlemen.

[@kampfire.]

Neck breaking scream and even youth players ease off== can't really help it-== horrible thing never forget it

[@Hugh_de_Mortimer]

This is more of a Union tradition. League has more soccer energy to spectators and players.

[@lewisanderson4173]

Agreed, and the England v Argentina game is a fine example, very heated during the final minutes of the game, but as soon as that final whistle went off, it was nothing but respect for eachother

[@MrOVERANOUT]

I am a North of England, working class guy who was brought up on Rugby League. However, my Grandson (aged 13) began playing for a Rugby Union Club (Keighley) and I have grown to enjoy Union more than League. It is more dynamic . Both games are also played by girls/women and they are so skillful. I have watched American Footbal and it is so boring with the stop, start, time outetc and wearing crash hats and body protection is over the top. Each to their own I suppose, but I just watched the game between the English Roses and New Zealand ladies and it was a brilliant match. Ellie Kildunne (who started her playing career as a junior at Keighley) scored two amazing tries, but they were ruled out due to the slightest of infringements. Plus, Ellie looks gorgeous... ❤

[@dylanmartin9190]

I remember in school when we played that you couldn't curse or insult people especially in earshot of the referee or you would get booked or sent off

[@qman2261]

2 key points not mentioned - relevant to both codes: Players think for themselves throughout the game rather than being told by a coach on the sidelines where they're expected to run to in the next 10 seconds. You're only allowed to tackle the player with the ball and you're not allowed to block/obstruct a non-ball carrier in the way you often see in American Football (particularly in punt returns where the ball carrier is protected from defenders by team-mates) and.. for Rugby Union - they didn't mention the Maul/Rolling Maul which is one of the best and most exciting formations to watch in action. There are several good 'best rugby tries' compilations that may be worth a look before you get stuck into whole match reviews.

[@Rocky19577]

A guy here in England studied an American football match and found that the game lasted 3 hours but there was only 11 minutes of actuall play. The rest of the time was waiting for changes and a lot of women cheerleaders dancing about

[@petergordon4525]

American football is a game for Jessie's though!

[@hesky10]

When the BBC had the rights to show highlights of the nfl, their highlights show had a segment where British football (soccer), rugby, both union and league players, tried to play American football against some rookies and draftees. Can't recall what happened but they were surprised by all the safety gear and wondered if it affected how they played especially as the football season is short compares to British football and rugby seasons. The american football players then tried playing rugby against a local school team and were shocked by the lack of helmet etc and looked pretty worried.

[@tomigrunge]

@@hesky10 Is there any video?

[@Sharonmarshall66]

Hubby did that one time, he clocked actual game time at 14 minutes on a 2.5 hour telecast Edit: we're in Australia

[@berkana8583]

That's why I find it so boring. A few seconds of play, then minutes of nothing,

[@savage6131]

I played union growing up and loved it, I also tried watching American football but couldn't take all the stoppages.

[@Radcollector123]

as a rugby union player the scrum is the most fun part for me a huge physical battle between all the biggest guys its super intense to be a part of

[@MrJonnerrs]

For me one of my favourite moments was being at the bottom of a ruck on our 22 and hearing my pack leader calling "DRIVE", the full power of the front row and the other lock kicking in, the ball popping out clean and fair, my fly half (scrum 1/2 was out of position) feeding the full back, who promptly raced the length of the pitch and scored under the posts. We lost the match to superior opposition, xxx to 7, and those 7 scored in the last 5 minutes (It was a total mismatch, drawn from the pool, and the opposition admitted, in the bar, that they had fielded a number of players from more senior teams), but the applause we got from the opposition as we came off the pitch sticks in my mind over 40 years later. Talking (and drinking) captain to captain afterwards, I still recall part of that discussion, "You bggrs never fckng gave up". That's Rugby.

[@malcolmrowe9003]

The problem with scrums in Union these days is that, a lot of the time, teams aren't so much trying to win the ball as trying to force the other team to concede a penalty and so the scrums will often seem to be replayed ad nauseam until the referee gives one of the sides a penalty.

[@paulbagby2803]

It was much more fun when the back row could unbind and go to the last foot. An old 7 that loved to headhunt

[@ReaperZa23]

Was number 7 for years. Had the best of both worlds

[@xbgo1856]

I was a tight head, back in the day when rucking was still allowed. I still remember the tiger stripes down my back after a game LOL@@MrJonnerrs

[@colinb1553]

Rugby is a small town in central England. Rugby school is still there, it is a long established private school - so it's called a Public School

[@neilgayleard3842]

They were the ones who invented the term soccer..

[@flintlockwoodhd7932]

@@neilgayleard3842because rugby was originally called football before the Cambridge rules were created

[@neilgayleard3842]

One version of the 7 types of football. But the term soccer was invented by students at the school as a derogatory term. It's a posh insult. Just like calling people folk. It's in soccer tribe by Desmond Morris.

[@MrJonnerrs]

@@neilgayleard3842 I was taught soccer came from As(socc)iaton Football.

[@eddhardy1054]

​@@neilgayleard3842The term soccer was actually coined at Oxford University.

[@StormhavenGaming]

8:58 It's worth mentioning that it has to be a pretty serious injury to actually stop play. Most injuries are treated as play continues, although both Union and League have rules about allowing a player to be substituted temporarily to staunch a bleeding wound. Note that the player is then expected to return to continue playing. Rugby is a physically demanding game!

[@seanmc1351]

Your right, there is a great clip, guy next to touch line, have a blood wound fixed by medical staff, he see's the oposing team break away, jumps up and tackles, great clip, he was still in play,

[@StoicTheGeek]

In Australian Rules Football it’s a requirement for a bleeding player to leave the field and be treated. There was a funny incident where a player was bleeding from the face but his team was in attack so he was all “head down, stay away from the ump”. As soon as the ball was turned over “Ump! Ump! Stop the game, I’m bleeding and need treatment”.

[@deliamcleod1165]

Union all the way - League is ok if proper rugby isn't available. I would actually recommend the New Zealand v Ireland or the South Africa v France quarter finals at this years world cup played last weekend. Seriously two of the best games I've seen and I've been watching Rugby for over 40 years.

[@benjaminterracini6114]

I have a soft spot in my heart for the 1999 World Cup semi final between France and New Zealand

[@DieFlabbergast]

Oooh! "Proper" rugby, eh? Pretentious ***hole! I'm a union fan, too, but there is nothing "improper" about Rugby League: it is a sport in its own right and just as much entitled to use the term "rugby" as union.

[@jackthelad5366]

Union is ok if you love watching the ball being kicked endlessly or scrums consistently been reset, so you might see two good games in forty years 😂

[@bmartin7961]

I like your reaction style, you don't comment over the content but add appropriate observations, pausing when needed and not too frequently. I really like your comparisons to American Football as it translates both ways, helping a person understanding better American football. Rugby Union is what I played, rucks and scrums are awesome. Regarding your reaction to scrums... yes necks, ears, shoulders pushing together in the scrum, then you're in the 2nd row and your arm is locked up between the legs of the person in front of you in the first row, grabbing their shirt, locking you in, holding tight. Not an every day experience, unless you play Union Rugby :D

[@KC-gy5xw]

The Rugby World cup at the moment is momentous..Brilliant.

[@stuartcollins82]

For our american cousins, the rugby (union) world cup is available on Peacock. Today (20th) it's Semi Final 1: Argentina (underdogs) vs New Zealand (the all blacks, legends). Tomorrow (21st) it's Semi Final 2: England (actually doing better than people expected) vs South Africa (current champions, and favourites)

[@StormhavenGaming]

@@stuartcollins82 In fairness, England haven't had the toughest matches. Samoa were the only ones that gave us any real trouble. Definitely getting spanked tomorrow though!

[@carpet6986]

​@@StormhavenGamingThe joys of being seeded....

[@stephenhickman304]

Yes these semi- finals should be epic despite a clear favourites both games …..the games have been so tight. These matches are NOT to be missed

[@jjjones2244]

​@stephenhickman304 i mean... the argentina vs new Zealand game was not tight at all 😂😂. Argentina got incinerated

[@watchreadplayretro]

This was a brilliant watch; both the original video and your reaction and added input. Thanks so much, great stuff!

[@Jawa1604]

Not only is Rugby a school it is also a town in England. Another sport named after an English place is Badmington. You should look into sports that originated in Britain. I think it's a topic you'd enjoy. I prefer Rugby Union. It's Semi Final's weekend in the World Cup, currently taking place in France and miraculously England made it to the Semi's and play tomorrow! I doubt we will win as we are up against favourites, South Africa but I am so happy we got that far! Tonight is Argentina vs New Zealand (The All Blacks) who are probably one of the most famous teams of any sport in the world. The Six Nations tournament starts every February. It involves Scotland, Ireland, Wales, England, France and Italy. It's a great watch.

[@JJLAReacts]

This is all great info, thanks! Yeah, I'm going to try to catch that England v South Africa tomorrow (tonight for me ☺️) Also, yeah, great idea to check out some other British sports, thanks!!

[@OldRhino]

​@@JJLAReacts The Springbokke won, and the English fans are going to be salty about that for quite a while. 😂

[@OldRhino]

@kjertenskarsgaard We shall see.

[@noggintube]

​@kjertenskarsgaardthis comment hasn't aged well 😉

[@emdiar6588]

We only played Union at our school (in England) and it was always winter, so the pitch would be churned up and then frozen solid. Tackles were BRUTAL. The field was like a frozen cheese grater. We prayed for summer and the cricket season.

[@themoderntemplar1567]

@emdiar6588 It was the same for us in a very wintery Glasgow, the ground was rock hard and as I played for the schools footy team for my year all the guys who were in the schools Rugby team was it as open season on us. I just booted the egg away any time it came near me.😂 Love watching Rugby but playing it was a nightmare. Actually where we played(or tried hard not to😁) is now home to Glasgow Warriors.

[@enemde3025]

You call it a UNIFORM. We call it a KIT. In rugby there are no " special teams" like in American Football. The whole team is on the pitch at the same time (apart from substitutes). The Rugby World Cup is on at the moment. It would be worth you trying to see some of it.

[@JJLAReacts]

Oh wow! I didn't realize most of the team is playing the whole time. Yes! I'm going to try to watch some Rugby World Cup, thanks!!!!

[@KeytarArgonian]

When I played Rugby in early High School (secondary school here) we were very specifically and carefully taught exactly how you form up in a scrum, where to put your shoulders/ears for the safest form.

[@momleon]

Agree. It looks a bit chaotic but actually is very structured when learned from young . Fewer injurious than one might expect with correct technique.

[@benny_simmo]

Although it suggests otherwise in the video, the ball is "in play" a lot more in league than union. Stoppages are more common and the game is generally considered slower in union whereas the speed of a league ruck alongside quicker restarts when a ball goes out of play means a league game flows better in my opinion. You should definitely watch a full match of each for a better understanding. May I also suggest watching highlight videos of big hits or great trys (touchdowns)

[@vaudevillian7]

Worth noting that in League it’s 6 tackles to score rather than just move the ball 10 yards (or metres), so you have to move the length of the field in that time

[@johnchrysostomon6284]

One thing that is important that was ommitted is that when the attacking player crosses the try line he doesn't alway immediately put the ball down, but may if he can move closer to the goal posts. This is because the placing of the try affects where the goal kick is taken from

[@martinsear5470]

Played Rugby for almost 12 years. Some of the best experiences of my life came whilst playing. Only ever had 2 injuries in all that time, a popped ankle which was my fault and a dislocated shoulder which wasn't. World Cup is on right now the semi finals are gonna be awesome 1 tonight 1 tomorrow.

[@JJLAReacts]

Wow, only two injuries!! Congrats! I have to check out those games, thanks!!

[@rogu3rooster]

Only two? I lost count of the number of times I broke a rib or a finger, busted my collarbone once, torn ACL too. I certainly wasn't the biggest guy on the pitch by any means though

[@martinsear5470]

@@rogu3rooster Yup lucky sod right here. The dislocated shoulder was fun tho. I was a prop got grabbed and thrown by my arm. Heard the pop, but, continued to play the last 20 mins, including a few scrums too, before going to hospital to get it popped back in. Still got the stretch marks to this day. Rugby players are a different breed.🤣

[@rogu3rooster]

@@martinsear5470 Worst for me was getting a testicular torsion, that really hurt!

[@michaelhorsman3380]

I've played rugby league and never got injured,my son who plays it now,has broke his thumb on the growth plate area,had concussion,needed physio on his leg,but he loves playing the game

[@AndyK1970]

Regarding Rugby Union scrums. The way the scrum is formed and engaged has changed several times to reduce injuries. Initially, the teams would form up and just slam into each other to engage. The latest version has 3 instructions from the ref: "Crouch" players form up and bend down to form the shape of the scrum, "bind" the two teams come into contact carefully to make sure they are lined up and in safe positions, and "set" the two teams start pushing to push each other backwards. There are also many safety rules that can result in penalties if broken, like not allowing the scrum to collapse or rotate too much. See the last 15 minutes 2023 World Cup semifinal between South Africa and England for good examples of scrum penalties being forced by the introduction of a really strong fresh player, in this case South Africa's "Ox" Nche.

[@iwiterangi5711]

I'm a big fan of both types of rugby. When I was a kid, I was obsessed with the All Blacks - just like every other Kiwi out there. Rugby Union, especially when it comes to the All Blacks, is like a religion for us. But as I grew older, I found myself drawn to the straightforward and organized style of Rugby League. In local club games (NRL), Rugby League definitely stands out for me. However, when it comes to the big international stage, there's no denying that The All Blacks and Rugby Union steal the show. Your videos really prove that point!

[@stuartfitch7093]

I'm from the north on England and love rugby but I prefer rugby union more than rugby league. This is because I like a more fast pace, free flowing game. It has also never made any sense to me that in rugby league or indeed American football that if you can't score after so many plays then you have to give up possession of the ball. That in my book doesn't encourage people to contest the ball as your thinking "oh well, it will be our turn with the ball soon". With rugby union you have to put effort into the game otherwise your team could go all the game with virtually zero possession of the ball. Whenever I've played rugby myself I have always found rugby union to be more violent so that's another reason I prefer that code. It is good for getting out all of your frustrations. After a good game of rugby union your too tired and beat up to do anything but rest.

[@AlanEvans789]

Well there's always the beer to drink wit the opposing team, before you go home and collapse.

[@listerofsmegv987pevinaek5]

I used to play for my high school. Long before the modern Ruck came in. The older ruck you could use your hands and feet, regardless of the damage you were doing to your opponent. Had stud marks, not just down the front oc my body, but down my back as well. Happy days. Still love the modern version. Great video. Look forwards to your next one.

[@charlesharmer101]

Bring back the ruck.

[@pollyparrot8759]

Rugby is an amazing game. 80 minutes of very intense play. The Rugby World Cup semi-finals are on this weekend and the final next week, if you get the chance to watch it, I think you'll find it an eye opener. Tonight's game was won comprehensively by the New Zealand All Blacks, tomorrow is England v The South African Springboks, the winner will play New Zealand and it should be a great game.

[@stephenhodgson3506]

Rugby League was mostly played as mentioned, in working class communities in the north of England and as can be imagined players could always get injured. While teams from the South and Midlands were often played by middle class or upper class people if they got injured they would have the money to enable them to survive. If they were from the working classes they most likely had team mates who could help support them. While those playing in the north would not get paid and their families would suffer. So the northern teams asked to be compensated for playing and the Rugby Football Union voted no, so they split because they couldn't afford to keep playing. When the Rugby League was formed they considered the cost of playing and determined that they simply couldn't afford to have 15 a side so they reduced the numbers to 13. The position that was dropped was what is called the lock, they are often the two tallest players on a side and are the players that the lineout is aimed at. So no lock no real need for the lineout and that is why they don't have a lineout in Rugby League.

[@allenwilliams1306]

No, the deleted players were the “wing forwards” who hung (and indeed still hang) on the outside of the second row to add more weight, and can see much more easily when the scrum should break.

[@MrCordycep]

They dropped the flankers rather than the locks/second rowers. The lock in rugby league is positioned at the back of the scrum.

[@bill-wd7zs]

A good place to watch a couple of good Rugby union matches for the first time would be the semi finals of the world cup happening right now . England V's South Africa at 8pm UK local time tomorrow should be a good one. As an Englishman I hate to say that we have scraped through so far and I'm dreading the possibility we may get totally outclassed tomorrow. Never stop trying though, I love it.

[@OldRhino]

That was a good game.

[@nonogermandog2761]

Class

[@jabofh]

One point is one point! 😛

[@nadeansimmons226]

Watch the last few minutes of the Ireland vs New Zealand game in the current World Cup. The Irish made over 30 plays to try and get another try to win the game, so the action was non stop.

[@Jamie-p7r]

Also the South Africa VS France match in the same tournament. Both these games were absolute nail-biters, with incredible plays from all sides.

[@danhumble9199]

First time seeing your channel. I enjoyed your reaction and the way you were attentive, asked the occasional question and really tried to understand. I’m not even a rugby fan but it’s fun watching people learn about other cultures and their sports. Love from northern England.

[@vaudevillian7]

Highly recommend Cricket Explained for Baseball Fans by the same channel

[@DruncanUK]

I've seen that one and, yes, it's a really good video.

[@gillfox9899]

Yes. I thoroughly enjoyed that video

[@DoowopTN]

Although I watch both codes, I prefer Union. I played on and off for about 45 years. Fun fact rugby Union was an amateur sport until 1995, even at the international level, where most players tended to come from the public school (private school) system, and came from most professional grounds, doctors, lawyers, policemen, military, etc. if you are able I would recommend watching the current rugby World Cup semi final games. Today is Argentina against New Zealand, and tomorrow England play South Africa.

[@jamesdignanmusic2765]

I live in New Zealand, where rugby union is the national sport (those players wearing black in the video? That's our national team, the "All Blacks"). Rugby league is often just called league. I'm guessing that lifting in a lineout would be illegal in American football - it's only been legal in rugby for the last 30 years. There have been bad injuries in the scrum and it's been made safer over the years. The video mentioned scrums and rucks but didn't mention another similar common move, the maul - which is where one team's scrum pack spontaneously forms to push the other team back. BTW, the final of the Rugby Union world cup is happening next weekend in France (New Zealand vs either England or South Africa) - well worth trying to watch if you can.

[@faithpearlgenied-a5517]

I prefer Rugby Union over League (despite being Northern) I had a go at watching American football once. The constant stopping drove me absolutely insane. It's as though it's designed for people with a very short attention span to be honest.

[@mikeswift6713]

As regards to the split of Rugby Union and Rugby League it took place in a meeting at the George Hotel in Huddersfield, my home town. I was taken to my first Rugby League match by my dad as a 5 or 6 year old seventy years ago. The Huddersfield Rugby League club has a rich history and was known as Fartown by locals after the district of Huddersfield where the stadium was situated. It is now known as Huddersfield Giants and has a far less illustrious history but is still in the top tier of the Rugby League.

[@michaelhorsman3380]

Just down road from me

[@Burglar-King]

Rugby Union the best. I went to Twickenham and watched England Vs New Zealand. I support England of course but watching the Hakka (New Zealands pre game war chant) is fantastic. I recommend watching the Haka it lasts for about a minute.

[@almostyummymummy]

Haka. Just to let you know.

[@Burglar-King]

@@almostyummymummy ha ha I know prediction text…but thank you

[@almostyummymummy]

@@Burglar-King Kiwi / Boks final. As it should be. Yay, right?

[@Burglar-King]

@@almostyummymummy My family are from NZ so I’ll be watching supporting the All Blacks, As England are not there. It was a sad ending for us but hey that’s why the Springboks are world champs.

[@wolfie854]

Yes Rugby is named after the game played at Rugby School, which is a private, fee-paying school in the town of Rugby, Warwickshire, in the English midlands.

[@billyhills9933]

Rucks are chaotic and need a lot of discipline but still produce a number of penalties. Ball carrier doesn't release the ball - penalty. Tackler doesn't release the the ball carrier quick enough - penalty Entering the ruck, not from behind, but from the side - penalty A defender, reaching for the ball and not supporting their own body weight, or being pushed over by supporting attackers and still making a grab for the ball - penalty Defence standing forward of the back of the ruck and being offside - penalty Being trapped in the ruck and not waving your hands at the ref indicating loudly that you can't get out - penalty

[@CrDa-i7e]

I find the rugby games more interesting because of the flow rather than constant stopping, line changes and huddles in American football. I especially enjoy the New Zealand All Blacks. I am also surprised by the number of women’s teams as compared the American football.

[@hughbaker4997]

Change, surprised to , appalled. Like women's football it turns into a comedy.

[@proskipper1]

The flow in Union makes for a poetic game.

[@Sidistic_Atheist]

13:40 Not a Rugby school, but a school in Rugby. The name of the town. Rugby in Warwickshire, England. Rugby can trace its origins back to the Iron Age, when the area was settled, but it wasn't until the Saxon times that Rugby got its name. It was first mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086 under the name Rocheberie.

[@allenwilliams1306]

Scrums are, indeed, potentially dangerous in rugby union. Necks can, and do, get broken, which is why the rules have been tightened up considerably since I last played the game at school up to 60 years ago. The referee's job now includes supervising the conduct of the scrimmage, as well as setting it according to the rules. The main danger arises when a scrum collapses. Heads are locked, but bodies can sink or suddenly swerve to one side, so heads can be jerked backwards or sideways. This is why deliberately causing a scrum to collapse is an extremely serious offence.

[@gavindw2933]

just to add to that, each pack in first class rugby weighs more than 800 kg

[@alan-]

At school we used to play murderball during the summer on Fridays, which was basically like the old medieval football. No rules, just get the ball to the other end by any means. For some reason, it was always 4th year (10th grade) vs 5th year (11th grade), meaning about 50-80 players on each side. One team being one year older than the other team made for an interesting dynamic. Officially it wasn't allowed, but games were never broken up or interfered with until the end of the lunch break, by the deputy headmaster. I don't remember anyone getting seriously injured, but there were a lot of minor injuries.

[@Mike-lb1hx]

The big difference between Rugby League and "American" Football is the speed of the game. There were an avg of over 80 sets per game thats like 120 first downs / game

[@trevorlsheppard7906]

The Rugby Union World Cup is in progress at the Moment,the semi finals are playing tomorrow (Saturday Night) at 20-00 hrs B S T . Should be great games ❤

[@KKawackk]

In fact Argentina-New Zeland are playing today, in a few hours.

[@EdDnB]

England v South Africa today as well Which is rugby union, we’re there is rugby league the two have slightly different rules if anyone didn’t know…

[@Rabant777]

In school, aged 12/13 we had one classmate whose neck was broken in a scrum ..... resulting in several months in hospital, and nearly a year away from school.

[@pureholy]

When was that? In the school I work at there are no contested scrums (oldest are 13, year 8s) and no lifting in the line out. It is my understanding that if a front row forward has to come off they must be replaced by another front row forward or the scrums have to become uncontested.

[@Rabant777]

@@pureholy It would have been 1980/81. He was the hooker at a time when scrums collapsed 50% of the time.

[@robertwilloughby8050]

Yes, a friend of mine (hello Gareth!) had his neck broken in a rugby match - not a scrum as far as I know, I think it was a high tackle - but that was the early 80s too.

[@Chris-mf1rm]

A lad in my class also broke his neck at the age of 13/14 when a scrum collapsed. Mid-late 70s.

[@aidanford4285]

As someone who is a fan of Rugby Union, League and American Football, and played both codes of Rugby, I would suggest starting with league first before delving into union. League is faster paced, more running, more action and bigger hits. It’s a good introduction to the sport as it gives you a decent knowledge of the basic skills of Rugby as a whole, while keeping you constantly engaged the whole 80 minutes. Try watching a State of Origin game between New South Wales and Queensland. This is the pinnacle of Rugby League and is 80 minutes of non stop action, by far the fastest pace rugby out of both codes. Union is more of a grind, much more kicking and set play based, but much more strategic than league is. It’s a fantastic game to watch once you know what you are watching, seeing the strategic possession/territory battle play out live is beautiful. But until you really have an understanding of the game it can seem like a chaotic mess, and at times it is. Any game that NZ plays is a good introduction to the game as they are consistently the best team over the history of the sport.

[@ofs82]

I would say that it depends on how you most easily understand American football as to which code is more accessible. In terms of rules, field and simplicity of understanding what is going on, League is definitely the one to start with because of the tackles/downs system, but in terms of positions/roles within the team, Union much more closely resembles American football as all the positions and their roles on the team can be directly compared to an American football equivalent. I would say that union is a more technical game especially around the ruck and maul areas, however, which can be an impenetrable mess even to union fans themselves, so you have to warn a newcomer not to get disheartened by not understanding certain infringements and referee decisions as a result. The other thing that's worth noting is that while the rules of League suggest it would be more stop-start compared to consistent action in Union, this doesn't really bear out in practice, because of those technicalities in Union that means you might get longer uninterrupted flows of action in Union than you do in League (and when a team that needs to score is putting together 15-20 phases of possession it can be constant excitement), you also get more 'down-time' in Union where you have things like reset scrums, or positional kick battles where both teams punt back and forth, because not being able to block (like American football) or guarantee possession after a tackle (like Rugby League) means that taking contact is a bad idea so you get these boring phases of back and forth kicking before the game gets back into a rhythm that a novice fan can recognise and enjoy more.

[@johanmeischke9189]

Yes particularly in in the front row. The 6 players in the front of the scrum who are direct opposition to each other used to very prone to severe neck injuries

[@coot1925]

One thing not mentioned is that there are no separate teams for offence and defence. The same players are on the pitch for the entire game, unless they are carried off on a stretcher. I played rugby union at school and was knocked out cold twice and had a concussion. Most of the time you get bruises and chunks knocked out of you. It's quite common to have your hands trodden on with studs (cleats) but you don't normally worry about such trivial matters until after the game.

[@allenwilliams1306]

Indeed, being “studded” was commonplace in the 1960s at school, as was having your balls grabbed and twisted in the scrum by the opposing tight-head prop if you were the hooker, to take your mind off your job of getting possession in the scrum. It was never anything personal.

[@PeterMoore66]

Rugby Union became professional in the UK during my lifetime (I'm 57 now). When I was a kid, Rugby Union players were all amateur, so they all had other jobs. Because it's the more 'upper class' game, they were generally well paid jobs (lawyers, doctors, etc) which allowed them to be able to play for clubs and internationally. Back in the day there were several talented and well known Union players who switched codes to Rugby League in order to get paid to play! Jonathan Davies springs to mind as a high-profile player who switched.

[@marieparker3822]

I think Rugby Union became professional in 1995 (?).

[@shanebielski5424]

I like both versions of the game. League (as it's commonly called in New Zealand and Australia), tends to be a faster game, whereas Rugby (union), tends to be more like a game of chess. Both codes are great in their own right.

[@cpapa1]

Hey bro, I thoroughly enjoyed your vid. I played rugby union predominantly in school then onto club rugby. Played a couple of seasons of rugby league then returned to union. As with a lot of team sports, one is started at a young age and over the years becomes conditioned to the game. Yea it can be rough at times and very hard work but yea, it's soooo much fun. Thanks for your vid.

[@kennethhammond4028]

Rugby for this kiwi is so emotional and your right its considered kind of warlike. Maori took to it with a passion and toured Britain Warbrick's team in 1885 20 years before the national team did in 1905, just one of those crazy facts.

[@GSD-hd1yh]

To put things in context, the exchange rate in 1955 was £1 = $2.80. My father played Rugby League and was paid £3 ($8.40) for a win and £1 ($2.80) for a loss. The average working mans wage back then was £3-45 ($9.66) so pay was comparable to a weeks wages.

[@nickwalters5380]

Rugby world cup semi finals this weekend. The quarter final between France and south Africa last weekend is one of the best games ever

[@seanmc1351]

You should also watch womens rugby or react to it, they play just as hard as the men, with the same exact rules, they also have womens leagues, womens national teams that play for there country in european and world cups, Me i prefer the womens rugby to be honest, one to support them, secondly, the standard is so hi

[@justinglenn69]

The respect players have for the ref in union is amazing . Many players will refer to the ref as Sir.

[@vaudevillian7]

Canadian football retains a bit more of Rugby than American football, like there’s more freedom to kick at any time and the ball remains live more often

[@copiousfool]

I played a position called lock, the locks are usually the tallest players in the team I'm 6'6 so truthfully a little small, I get lifted in the lineouts and second row in the scrum. You get taught how to play your position so there is danger but you mitigate it as much as possible. It can be fun but it also hurts, the older I get the more it hurts.

[@MrJonnerrs]

Even at a short 5'11" I used to play Lock as far as I'm concerned Locks are the heart of the team.

[@millsy1861]

You should definitely do a video on one of the medieval versions of Rugby played in one of the towns here in the United Kingdom, they are played by hundreds of people and it gets extremely violent, shops board up the windows and its chaos. The Arthurstone ball game is one I believe.

[@grimreaper-qh2zn]

A friend of mine (a Rugby League fan) used to call Rugby Union "15 a side hide-and-seek" as it can often be difficult for spectators to see the ball in the Ruck. In Rugby League the number of consecutive tackles has varied over the years.

[@rumourhats]

Indeed. I suppose, the missing historical significance of the two codes is the intense animosity between them. I grew up in a League town, and it feels like you have an "allegiance" to one code or the other. I think RL has gone really boring though in the last 20 years, and you don't get much flair, or fluid passing - it has become increasingly _more_ like American Football during this time, IMO.

[@allenwilliams1306]

@@rumourhats I agree: rugby league is exceptionally tedious, American football is terminally tedious, and played by wimps.

[@howyduinyall7653]

New Zealand v Argentina today 3:00 EST in the World Cup union, tomorrow England v South Africa 3:00 EST (N Zealand v Africa will therefore b the final) on Peacock apparently.

[@JJLAReacts]

YES! Thank you! I'll be watching! Perfect timing!

[@jean-pierreduven7234]

The final will most likely be South Africa and New Zealand, these two teams have arguably the biggest rivalry in any sport, 3 world cups each.

[@philjones45]

But imagine if American football adopted some Rugby Union rules, advertisers would abandon the sport

[@EdDnB]

I don’t know.. the ufc has promoters and advertising doesn’t it…. Even boxing does!?! Come on we mention the word football don’t matter what type ⚽️🏈and we act like a bunch of women…. No offence to you wonderful ladies, the real ones I mean

[@YafetSegid-q7h]

I would be boring

[@Mistral.Gagnant]

At first glance, your channel is like a supersonic flight on the Concorde... But the last flight, the one that crashed after 5 minutes. It's still a good video.

[@jash1281]

Scrum is heaven in winter, huddled with the other forwards and kept warm and comfy

[@maxinedurling3425]

We have the semi finals this weekend first is Argentina vs New Zealand 2nd is England vs South Africa its really is a Southern Hemisphere game this year. Union is my 1st love but I enjoy League as well

[@danpreston1439]

In Derbyshire they still hold what is called Shrovetide football. It is the original form of football/rugby. Played over a 3 mile long pitch and over 2 days. It is the last of it's kind and still held every year.

[@kjlovescoffee]

The whole sequence - attacking player running with ball, defending player tackles, ruck forms, attacking player removes the ball and passes it on - is called a phase. As the video mentions, phases are unlimited in Union, but in practise, too many phases is not a good play because 1) it tires out the players, and 2) with each phase the likelyhood of the attacking team making a handling error (such as fumbling the ball forward) and conceding a penalty to the defending team, increases. So when little progress is made, the attacking team will typically take a kick at some point. There are, however, times, when keeping posession of the ball is a strategic play. In the 2023 World Cup Quarter Final between Ireland and New Zealand, the game came down to a 4 point difference in NZ's favour at full time. Ireland had possession, and they had one remaining play to score a try to win. New Zealand had to prevent a try and extract a turnover or penalty in order to end the last play and win. So ireland played phase after phase, taking care not to make mistakes, while New Zealand did the same. The final play lasted 37 phases, which is very unusual. I won't spoil the result, but it's worth watching in full if you can get access (flo, peacock in the US, not sure if they offer replays). Not just for the ending, but the entire was masterful play by two exceptional teams. Similarly, the QF between France and South Africa - different style game, more for the strategic use of kicks and scrums. These two games were probably the best in the entire tournament, and some of the best rugby I've watched in my life.

[@KarenDay-me8ri]

Rugby Union players are on the field for the full 80 mins of of the game and no advert breaks. Need to be VERY fit. Plus no helmets and pads. Great game.

[@thomassharmer7127]

One thing the video didn't go into is the division of the teams into 'forwards' and 'backs', which are not the same as American offense and defense. They are all on the pitch together. The (typically heavier built) forwards take part in scrums and lineouts and do much of the heavy tackling and scrambling. The (typically leaner, swifter) backs do much of the running, passing and kicking/ punting, although everyone in fact runs, passes and tackles at various times. There are more detailed positions, like specific places in the scrum, for example, and the 'full back' who most often kicks penalties and conversions, but roles are far more fluid than in American football. I much prefer Rugby Union myself (strictly watching these days, my playing days are long gone😊 ) and thoroughly recommend catching the final stages of this year's World Cup.

[@whenmartindied]

I think I remember when lifting first came in, because my dad never approved and complained it was a South African tactic they brought in after the boycott ended

[@stephdegoede8316]

The scrum: measurements were done, and they found that when the scrum engages, the force that goes through the line of impact is similar to having a medium rhino dropped on your neck. After that initial impact, the pressure is similar to carrying a small hippo on your shoulders for 3-5 seconds. And you may not drop your knees or elbows, or pop up, or move laterally.

[@cirkelshorts]

fact about scrums: front rowers are hard to be as there is a ceraton technique to it and basically when the ref says ‘set’ the ball is down in the middle and the front rowers slam their heads into the other teams front rowers shoulders, and when a team runs out of front rowers (if you do it wrong it will break neck) they have to play a non-contestant scrum which is just basically what they do in league

[@could_try_harder]

Rugby (town) is located in Warwickshire, as is Atherstone they are only 19 miles apart! We live midway between the two.

[@machendave]

The ruck can be where the most injuries happen. Using you foot to move the ball can get things stomped on.. heads, necks, arms and the like. Aussie rules football and Gaelic football are exciting to watch.

[@kjlovescoffee]

13:58 "Rugby" is a small town in central England. At the time there was probably only one school in the town, hence "Rugby School".

[@peterkelly1515]

I don’t know why he keeps referencing Australia when England was where Rugby was founded. Also in league it’s 6 tackles to get the full length of the field. In American football it’s 4 downs to get 10 yards so making it 6 would be ridiculously easy to get the 10 yards

[@Jivvi]

"In touch" strictly refers to a ball that goes out of bounds over the sidelines (they're actually called touch lines). The back line of the in-goal area is called the dead-ball line, and a ball that crosses it is "dead", not "in touch". If the ball goes out the side of the in-goal area it's called "in touch in goal", but there's no distinction between that and going dead; play is restarted the same way. Also in rugby union, a ball that goes into touch isn't actually dead, and can be quickly recovered by the team who would have thrown the lineout, and thrown in uncontested, before the lineout has formed, as long as it's the same ball and it isn't touched by anyone else while it's out of bounds. Another thing worth noting is that "rugby union" is officially just called "rugby", and that's what people generally call it outside the areas where rugby league is more popular. Also pretty much no one calls rugby league "rugby". Here in Australia, it's most often referred to as "footy" or "football" (except in Victoria, where Aussie Rules is more popular) or "rugby league", or just "league" I like the idea of having more downs in American football, maybe with an increased distance to gain, like if you don't convert 4th and 10, it's 5th and 15 from the same spot, so there's still some incentive to get it done in 4 downs.

[@andrewmihaleff]

This is a great video breaking down the two codes, especially for Americans used to NFL. I'm Australian so it's rugby league all the way for me, though i do like union also. The 2015 grand final was one of the most dramatic games ever in our code, Cowboys were the underdogs and most neutrals were backing them!

[@markwilliams7869]

i started playing rugby union at 11 years old full contact in the mid 90s had to stop due to knee injury at 19 i still miss playing this beautiful game

[@stevetreloar3129]

Rugby Union is a great game to play but harder to watch because of technical penalties which often arise out of the set pieces like scrums and line-outs where as League is more fun to watch and play is more open!

[@cjwhiterabbit1]

This is probably one of the best guides to Rugby for the uninitiated !

[@Leslie-Risse]

Huge preference for Rugby Union. I actually played in a small french team as a teen, the Racing Club de Vincennes, mostly as a 14 (right winger) and as a 15 (fullback).

[@jasonhuxley674]

the 2022 Women's World Cup final is possibly the best game I've ever watched

[@andrewharper1609]

The last game of rugby I played in was in school. It had been raining heavily and I was playing as a second row prop. I dug my feet in and because of the mud there was no friction and we got pushed back about 10-15 feet before the scum collapsed.

[@proco2008]

I went to an English boarding school and played rugby union. I played in the front row. I have an 18.5 inch neck today and find it difficult to but shirts. Rugby Union used to be described as one guy trying to push two guys up three guys asses. Rugby Leage was described as cross-country wrestling. Union is played internationally and gets my attention. If you like Union you should try 7s, a shorter version of the game with 7 players aside and modified rules. It is very fast flowing with a higher skill level. Being lighter built I was an ideal 7s player but I did not go on with it. We formed guard of honour and applauded our opponents from the field at the end of a match. I learned the meaning of respect on the playing field of Pierrepont.

[@briangallwey548]

I don't think it was mentioned in the video,but both league and union are played over 2 x40 minute halves. Except where it was mentioned,play is continuous for the full 40 minutes.

[@whattiler5102]

The League version probably is easier to follow initially and they are very hard men. However for the Rugby Union aficionado (which includes me) it lacks the variety that Union has with its rolling play, lineouts, scrums, rucks and also 'mauls'. He didn't go into mauls, but they are like a ruck where the ball carrier is held up and the ball is off the ground. Players will 'bind' on each side and the team in possession will attempt to get the maul rolling forward (a "rolling" or "driving" maul) if they are within reach of the try line they may force the ball over the line and touch it down for a try.

[@anon17472]

Funny you note borrowing some Rugby moves might be a good secret weapon in American football. The "tush push" everyone's been talking about is basically a Rugby maul.

[@christopherbarclay7482]

Played 16 years of Rugby Union and 3 games of League . League is like 2 walls crashing against each other . Union is playing certain practised moves when in different field positions . Union looks more chaotic but is actually more planned when the defence is in a bad position . Both codes practise moves to use in each game but it's the half back #7 and 5/8th #6 in League who run the team and its the Scrum-half #9 and Flyhalf #10 in Union who control the teams progress down the field . The ways that the ball is lost is a knock on (ball travelling forward off the hands) , passed forward , kicked out on the full or kicked out after hitting the ground . If a penalty is awarded the attacking team gets the ball to kick up field as far as possible without the defence touching it . This is the same for both codes .

[@OldRhino]

If you want to see some serious rugby being played, look for games between the Springbokke and the All Blacks, because they have been each others' main rivals for almost a 100 years. The final on Saturday 28 October is going to be a hard fought and thrilling game, because both teams have 3 RWC trophies, and both teams want the one up. The All Blacks also have 2 back to back wins, and if the Springbokke win they will have 2 back to back wins as well.

[@phoenix-xu9xj]

Rugby World Cup final here in UK tomorrow. And England is in there.

[@JJLAReacts]

What reallly?! I have to watch, thanks!!!!!🍻

[@chixma7011]

Don’t get ahead of yourself! Semi-final today and final next weekend. Fingers crossed for England but the Springboks are playing HARD at the moment!

[@suedavis3525]

Rugby School is an English public school still going strong. In England a public school is a private school for the rich. Rugby is supposed to have been invented there. It is a very fluid game.

[@antonford2074]

My secondary school had a pretty good team, I was a full back which you might be more familiar with as a defensive tackle. Basically i was supposed to get directly in the way of, and stop whoever had the ball.

[@peterwooldridge7285]

Excellent overview of the game

[@dominicfay4165]

I used to play as a Loosehead Prop, which is arguably the biggest, strongest player on the field. The props are in the front row of the scrum, and the scrum was the best part of the match. A real show of strength and a good opportunity to intimidate the other team.

[@caj4562]

Theres a particular feeling of a scrum you are winning, a scrum you are losing and a scrum collapse.

[@jacekatalakis8316]

Came back here to say, JJ, you need to look up Rob Burrow's career highlights. He was arguably one of the greatest ever short and quick guys in league and he is probably more well known since his untimely death for the work he did for motor neurone disease research and charity work. He was a thoroughly awesome bloke too by all accounts, when Kevin Sinfield lifted him over the line at the marathon, i was bawling my eyes out because rOB of just how significant that moment was. Oh and he also had one of the very very best Challenge Cup (think Superbowl for rugby league) tries ever, too. The team where I grew up may be shit, but, I was lucky enough to have ROb be playing for my local bigger club. As for Union. THe Scotland/Wales match in the 2024 one. Wales nearly pulled off a 26 point comeback and were held at the goal line as the clock ran out. Karma got Scotland later on by them losing in a highly similar, controversial, manner and arguing they were robbed by the TMO (think instant replay) ruling it was not a try and Scotland kicked up a fuss about it. Both matches were incredible. Wales were down 26 at the half, came storming out and Scotland got more and more and more disorganized as the second 40 minutes went on. Oh and Duhan van der Merwe is an absolute beast of a player who qualified for Scottish selection by living there for three years and has turned into an unstoppable force. Every time he got fed the ball, he was off and going the length of the pitch it felt like and he'd usually score, and do some incredible moments to. Look up his highlights, everyone. They are incredible. Duhan is, I'd argue, one of the best wings in all of rugby union currently.ouCame back here to say, JJ, you need to look up Rob Burrow's career highlights. He was arguably one of the greatest ever short and quick guys in league and he is probably more well known since his untimely death for the work he did for motor neurone disease research and charity work. He was a thoroughly awesome bloke too by all accounts, when Kevin Sinfield lifted him over the line at the marathon, i was bawling my eyes out because rOB of just how significant that moment was. Oh and he also had one of the very very best Challenge Cup (think Superbowl for rugby league) tries ever, too. The team where I grew up may be shit, but, I was lucky enough to have ROb be playing for my local bigger club. As for Union. THe Scotland/Wales match in the 2024 one. Wales nearly pulled off a 26 point comeback and were held at the goal line as the clock ran out. Karma got Scotland later on by them losing in a highly similar, controversial, manner and arguing they were robbed by the TMO (think instant replay) ruling it was not a try and Scotland kicked up a fuss about it. Both matches were incredible. Wales were down 26 at the half, came storming out and Scotland got more and more and more disorganized as the second 40 minutes went on. Oh and Duhan van der Merwe is an absolute beast of a player who qualified for Scottish selection by living there for three years and has turned into an unstoppable force. Every time he got fed the ball, he was off and going the length of the pitch it felt like and he'd usually score, and do some incredible moments to. Look up his highlights, everyone. They are incredible. Duhan is, I'd argue, one of the best wings in all of rugby union currently.ou

[@David-d8l3w]

There was a time ago (no sure which team or Player) that when an attempt at a long distance field goal, players that would stand under the goal post - and be lifted to knock the ball away or catch it - but the NFL stopped that,

[@AnthonyValentine-vm1yc]

Not into rugby, but i fully admire the repect players give to refs decisions. They will tower over & take a telling off from the ref humbly & earnestly. Unlike football players who will mob & scream around the ref like hysterical 'victims'! Which in turn provides a 'role model' for kids playing in the park at grass roots level, who mimic this action.

[@michaelhorsman3380]

Have u been to watch any ameatur games? They can be awesome to watch

[@Wingian-e6n]

As a rugby player I loved the scrum, but then I was number 6 and bound in at the edge. The video also missed the rolling maul which always gets fans on the edge of their seat

[@snakers83]

HEY! if u find rugby hard, i suggest to look for the Calcio Fiorentino a medieval game of "football" , still played in modern days in Firenze (IT). it's a ruthless mixed game of rugby / football / boxing and MMA :)