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Rugby league

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Rugby league

Rugby league is notable for its hard physical play, tackling and breaking the lines
Highest governing body Rugby League International Federation
Nickname(s) Football, Footy, League
First played Established in 1895, George Hotel, Huddersfield, United Kingdom
Characteristics
Contact Contact
Team members 13
Mixed gender Single
Categorization Outdoor
Equipment Football

Rugby league[1][2][3] is a full-contact team sport, played with a prolate spheroid ball[4] by two teams of thirteen players on a rectangular grass field. Rugby league is one of the two codes of rugby football (the other being rugby union) and is arguably the most physically punishing of any team sport[5][6][7][8][9][10].

Rugby league takes its name from the Rugby Football League, which was established in 1895 as the Northern Rugby Football Union, a breakaway faction of the English Rugby Football Union (RFU). Both organisations played the game under similar rules at first, until similar breakaway factions occurred from RFU-affiliated rugby football leagues in Australia and New Zealand in 1907 and 1908, introducing modified Northern Union rules to create a new form of rugby football. The Northern Union later changed its name to the Northern Rugby Football League in 1922[11] (later dropping the 'Northern') and thus, over time the sport itself became known as "rugby league". Over the following decades, the rules of both forms of rugby were gradually changed, and now rugby league and rugby union are distinctly different sports.

Today rugby league is most prominent in Australia, England, New Zealand, France and Papua New Guinea (where it is considered the national sport). It is also played professionally in Wales and the United States. New Zealand are the current World Cup holders. The game is played at a semi-professional and amateur level in several other countries, such as Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Ireland, Scotland, Russia, Lebanon, Germany, Japan, United States, Malta and Jamaica.

Contents

[edit] History

Main article: History of Rugby League

The roots of Rugby League can be traced to early football history, through the playing of ball games which bear little resemblance to modern sports. It is then important to acknowledge the development of the modern football codes and two separate schisms in football history.

In 19th century England, football was most prominently played in private schools. Each school had its own rules based on whatever playing field was available to them. The rules could be categorised as either handling or kicking forms of football. The kicking and handling forms were later codified by The Football Association and the Rugby Football Union (RFU) respectively. Rugby football had its origins at Rugby School, Warwickshire, England.

In 1895 Rugby football was beset with a schism that resulted in the formation of the Northern Rugby Football Union (NRFU). Although many factors played a part in the split, including the success of working class northern teams, the main division was caused by the RFU decision to enforce the amateur principle of the sport, preventing "broken time payments" to players who had taken time off work to play rugby. Northern teams typically had more working class players (coal miners, mill workers etc.) who could not afford to play without this compensation, in contrast to southern teams who had other sources of income to sustain the amateur principle. There were similar movements in other countries. In 1895 a decree by the RFU banning the playing of rugby at grounds where entrance fees were charged led to the famous meeting on 29 August 1895. Twenty-two clubs (plus Stockport who negotiated by telephone) met at The George Hotel in Huddersfield, in the West Riding of Yorkshire, and formed the "Northern Rugby Football Union". Within fifteen years of that first meeting in Huddersfield, more than 200 RFU clubs had left to join the rugby revolution.

[edit] Rules

Main article: Playing rugby league

The rules of the sport have changed significantly over the decades since rugby football split into the league and union codes. The objective in rugby league is to score more points through tries, goals and field goals (also known as drop goals) than the opposition within the 80 minutes of play. The try is the most common form of scoring, and a team will usually attempt to score one by running and kicking the ball further upfield, or passing from player-to-player in order to manoeuvre around the opposition's defence. A goal is worth two points and may be gained from a conversion or a penalty. A field goal is only worth one point, and is gained by drop kicking the ball between the uprights in open play. If after two halves of play, each consisting of forty minutes, the two teams are drawing, a draw may be declared, or the game may enter extra time under the golden point rule, depending on the relevant competition's format.

[edit] Positions

Leeds Rhinos playing at the 2008 boxing day friendly against Wakefield Trinity Wildcats at Headingley Stadium
Main article: Rugby league positions

Players on the field are technically divided into forwards and backs, although in terms of rules, there are no differences between them. Each position has a designated number to identify himself from other players. The system of numbering players is different depending on which country the match is played in. In Australia and New Zealand, each player is usually given a number corresponding to their playing position on the field. However, since 1996 European teams have been able to grant players specific squad numbers, which they keep in irrelevance to the position they play, similarly to association football.[12] This can mean that although only seventeen players can be announced in any rugby league squad, shirt numbers of 18 or higher are also used.[13]

Interchanges (generally referred to as "The Bench") are allowed in the sport, and are typically used when a player gets tired or injured, although they can also be used tactically. Each team is currently allowed four substitutes, and in Australia and New Zealand, these players occupy shirt numbers 14 to 17.[13] There are no limitations on what players must occupy these interchangeable slots, and interchanged players may re-enter the field of play again following a second interchange. Generally, twelve interchanges are allowed in any game from each team, although in the National Rugby League, this was reduced to ten prior to the 2008 season.[14] If a team has to interchange a player due to the Blood Bin rule or due to injury, and this was the result of misconduct from the opposing team, the compromised team does not have to use one of its allocated interchanges to take the player in question off the field.

[edit] Backs

The backs are generally smaller, faster and more agile than the forwards. They are often the most creative and evasive players on the field, relying on running, kicking and handling skills, as well as tactics and set plays, to break the defensive line, instead of brute force. Generally forwards do the majority of the work (hit-ups/tackling).

  • The title of fullback (numbered 1) comes from the fullback's defensive position where the player drops out of the defensive line to cover the rear from kicks and runners breaking the line. They therefore usually are good ball catchers and clinical tacklers. In attack the fullback will typically make runs into the attack or support a runner in anticipation of a pass out of the tackle. Fullbacks can play a role in attack similar to a halfback or 5/8th and the fact that the fullback does not have to defend in the first defensive line means that a coach can keep a playmaker from the tackling responsibilities of the first line whilst allowing them to retain their attacking role.
  • The wings or "wing three quarters" (numbered 2 and 5) are normally the fastest players in a team and play on the far left and right fringes of the field (the wings). Their main task is to receive passes and score tries. The wingers also drop back on the last tackle to cover the left and right sides of the field for kicks while the fullback covers the middle.
  • The centres or "centre three-quarters" (numbered 3 and 4) are positioned one in from the wings and together complete what is known as the three-quarter line. Usually the best mixture of power and vision, their main role is to try and create attacking opportunities for their team and defend those of the opposition. Along with the wingers, the centres score plenty of tries throughout a season.

Usually, the stand-off-half and scrum-half, are a team's creative-unit or 'playmakers'. During the interactions between a team's 'key' players (stand-off-half, scrum-half, full-back, loose forward, and hooker), the stand-off-half and scrum-half will usually be involved in most passing moves.

  • The stand-off-half or 'pivot' or '5/8th' (numbered 6): There is not much difference between the stand-off-half and the scrum-half, in that --- both players may operate in front of the pack during 'Forward-Play' (as Prime Receiver[7] and Shadow Receiver[6] --- one on each side of the ruck --- or both on same side of the ruck) --- and both players may operate in front of the backs during 'Back-Play' (as Prime Pivot[6] and Shadow Pivot[7] --- one on each side of the ruck / pack --- or both on same side of the ruck / pack). The stand-off-half position is named with regard to the role / location of the player in respect to the scrum. To understand the stand-off-half position, or any other playing position --- see Rugby league positions.
  • The scrum-half or 'half-back' (numbered 7): There is not much difference between the scrum-half and the stand-off-half, in that --- both players may operate in front of the pack during 'Forward-Play' (as Prime Receiver[7] and Shadow Receiver[6] --- one on each side of the ruck --- or both on same side of the ruck) --- and both players may operate in front of the backs during 'Back-Play' (as Prime Pivot[6] and Shadow Pivot[7] --- one on each side of the ruck / pack --- or both on same side of the ruck / pack). The scrum-half position is named with regard to the role / location of the player in respect to the scrum. To understand the scrum-half position, or any other playing position --- see Rugby league positions.

[edit] Forwards

The forwards' two responsibilities can be broken into "normal play" and "scrum play". For information on a forward's role in the scrum see rugby league scrummage. Forward positions are traditionally named after the player's position in the scrum yet are equal with respect to "normal play" with the exception of the hooker. Forward positions are traditionally broken into:

  • The props or front-row forwards (numbered 8 and 10) are normally the largest players on field (male props typically weigh over 15 stone (210 lb; 95 kg) in the open age/senior game). They are positioned in the centre of the line. The prop will be an "enforcer", dissuading the opposition from attacking the centre of the defensive line and in attack give the team momentum by taking the ball up to the defence aggressively.
  • The hooker (numbered 9) is most likely to play the role of dummy-half. In defence the hooker usually defends in the middle of the line against the opposition's props and second-rowers. The hooker will be responsible for organising the defence in the middle of the field. In attack as dummy-half this player is responsible for starting the play from every play-the-ball by either passing the ball to the right player, or, at opportune moments, running from dummy-half. It is vital that the hooker can pass very well. Traditionally, hookers "hooked" the ball in the scrum. Hookers also make probably more tackles than any other player on the field. The hooker is always involved in the play and needs to be very fit. They need to have a very good knowledge of the game and the players around them.
  • The second row forwards (numbered 11 and 12) The modern day second row is very similar to a centre and is expected to be faster, more mobile and have more skills than the prop and will play amongst the three-quarters, providing strength in attack and defence when the ball is passed out to the wings. Good second-rowers combine the skills and responsibilities of props and centres in the course of the game.
  • The loose forward or the lock (numbered 13) is the only forward in the third (last) row of the scrum. They are usually one of the fittest players on the field, covering the entire field on both attacking and defending duties. Typically they are big ball-runners who can occasionally slot in as a passing link or kick option; it is not uncommon for loose forwards/locks to have the skills of a Stand-off/five eighth and to play a similar role in the team.

[edit] Rugby league worldwide

Rugby league is played in more than 30 countries, though it is most commonly played in the United Kingdom (predominantly northern England), Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, where it is recognised as the national sport. Australia, where it is a winter sport, is the strongest of these. It is also played professionally in France, and Wales. It is due to be played professionally in the United States by 2010.[15]

A National Rugby League game at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia during the 2004 NRL season.
The 2006 NRL Grand Final between Brisbane Broncos and Melbourne Storm at Olympic Stadium, Sydney

Until New Zealand's victory in 2008, Australia had won every world cup since 1975. They had also not lost an international tournament or series of any kind for twenty-seven years until they lost to New Zealand in the final of the 2005 Tri-Nations Series at Elland Road in Leeds in November 2005.

In the United Kingdom, rugby league has traditionally been associated with the "heartland" counties of northern England where the game originated (Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cumbria), although evidence suggests that the game's popularity has been increasing from 2002 to the present day.[16][17][18] Figures published by the Rugby Football League showed an 81% increase in women playing the sport in the twelve months prior to October 2008, as well as an increase in juniors of both genders.[19] Despite this, all but two of the thirteen British Super League teams originate from the sport's traditional counties. No professional team currently exists in either Scotland or Northern Ireland, although the Challenge Cup final has been held in Edinburgh's Murrayfield Stadium twice, as well as the 2009 Magic Weekend.[20] Over 40,000 players were registered by the RFL as of October 2008.[19]

In Australia, it is the dominant winter sport in Queensland and New South Wales, as well as being popular in the Australian Capital Territory and having a minor foothold in the Northern Territory; the other four states have low participication.

Despite having had many strong teams historically, rugby à treize in France has struggled to compete with rugby union since the Vichy government banned the sport and seized some assets during World War II.[citation needed] However, French rugby league remained reasonably strong after the war, and the French team reached the final of the 1954 and 1968 Rugby League World Cups. In 2006, the Super League admitted the Catalans Dragons, who on 29 July 2007, made it to the Challenge Cup final, being the first non-English team to do so. The admittance of the Dragons to Super League has seen a renaissance of sorts in French rugby league, with new found enthusiasm for the sport in traditional areas, predominantly in the south of the country where most of the Elite One Championship teams are based.

Early 21st century developments have seen countries such as Germany, Ireland, Lebanon, Malta, Russia, Serbia, Spain, the Czech Republic, Jamaica, and others take up the game and compete in international rugby league tournaments or matches, with efforts being made by the Rugby League European Federation to expand the game to new areas. 2008-09 has seen development of teams in northern Europe, especially Scandinavia. Initial plans for this Nordic group of countries will see these teams establish a regional playing platform. The first specific example of a rugby league tournament in this area of Europe came in 2009, when a rugby league nines tournament was held in Norway featuring teams from the host country, Germany, Sweden, and Denmark, as well as three rugby union teams.[21]

In the United States, the country's first fully professional league, the National Rugby League USA, is due to be launched in 2010, with the aim of building the sport's profile in the country, and providing more talent for the national team.[15]

[edit] Domestic competitions

Each country has its own governing body which runs and regulates its rugby league competitions, such as round-robin leagues or cup tournaments. The two most prominent leagues in the rugby league world are the Australian National Rugby League, in which a professional New Zealand team also play, and the engage Super League which is based in Europe, and which consists of mostly English teams. Domestic leagues exist below the NRL and Super League, especially on a state or county level, and leagues also exist in other countries.

A domestic league – the National Rugby League USA – is also being planned for the United States of America. It is due to start its first professional season in 2010, with a hope of tapping into the country's already well-established support for American football, which is generally similar to rugby league in principle.[citation needed]

Both Australia and Europe have their own domestic cup tournaments, the most prominent of which is the Rugby Football League's Challenge Cup, contested by amateur and professional teams across Europe. In Australia, the State of Origin series is a domestic tournament, played between New South Wales and Queensland teams. Australia also has a one-match City vs Country Origin annually.

[edit] See also

[edit] Footnotes

  1. ^ 'What is Rugby League?' Rugby League European Federation
  2. ^ 'The RLIF'
  3. ^ International Laws of the Game, p.51 [1]
  4. ^ International Laws of the Game, p.8 [2]
  5. ^ Meares, Peter (2003). Legends of Australian sport: The Inside Story. Australia: University of Queensland Press. pp. 132. ISBN 0702234109, 9780702234101. http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=aMw_Zpew2OgC. 
  6. ^ Massoud, Josh (2009-04-24). "Gallen pushes himself to limit in the boxing ring". Daily Telegraph, The. News Limited. http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,25377167-5001023,00.html. Retrieved on 2009-05-27. 
  7. ^ Rae, Richard (2003-10-12). "Rugby League: Tongan muscle powers the Bulls". Sunday Times, The. Times Newspapers Ltd.. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/article991007.ece. Retrieved on 2009-05-27. 
  8. ^ Plummer, John. "Running into a Brick Wall". muscle-fitness.co.uk. http://www.muscle-fitness.co.uk/18.html. Retrieved on 2009-05-27. 
  9. ^ "My Life in Rugby League: Joe Vagana - Bradford Bulls". League Express. League Publications Ltd. 2008-04-07. http://www.totalrl.com/mylife/index.php?feat_id=355. Retrieved on 2009-05-27. 
  10. ^ "About the Book". From the Sheds by Matthew Johns. harpercollins.com.au. 2008. http://www.harpercollins.com.au/books/9780732286514/From_the_Sheds/index.aspx. Retrieved on 2009-05-27. 
  11. ^ Spracklen, Karl (2001). 'Black Pearl, Black Diamonds' Exploring racial identities in rugby league. Routledge. pp. 72. ISBN 0415246296, 9780415246293. http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=T3NMCF79r6wC&dq=%22rugby+league%22&source=gbs_navlinks_s. 
  12. ^ 'history of the sport' in 1996, theRFL, http://www.therfl.co.uk/about/page.php?areaid=46 
  13. ^ a b 'rugby league playing guide' squad numbers, This is rugby, http://www.thisisrugby.info/servlets/template?FILE=rugby-league-guide&navid=17 
  14. ^ "League rule changes for 2008". www.leagueunlimited.com (League Unlimited). http://www.leagueunlimited.com/article.php?newsid=15023. Retrieved on 2009-06-18. 
  15. ^ a b "NRL 2010". www.nrlus.com (NRL USA). http://www.nrlus.com/nrl2010.html. Retrieved on 2009-06-16. 
  16. ^ "Interest growing in Conference". BBC Sport. 2008-12-14. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/2266867.stm. Retrieved on 2008-12-14. 
  17. ^ "Rugby League Activity". Active Surrey. 2008-12-14. http://www.activesurrey.com/content-1973. Retrieved on 2008-12-14. 
  18. ^ "Engage Super League Attracts Strong Viewing in 2008". Rugby Football League. 2008-12-14. http://therfl.co.uk/~therflc/home/news_item.php?id=10137. Retrieved on 2008-12-14. 
  19. ^ a b "National Campaign Launched". England Rugby League. 2008-12-14. http://www.englandrl.co.uk/~englandr/video.php?id=11934. Retrieved on 2008-12-14. 
  20. ^ "Murrayfield Stadium". www.rugbyleagueproject.org (Rugby League Project). http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/venues/Murrayfield_Stadium.html. Retrieved on 2009-06-15. 
  21. ^ Gordon, James. "All go in Norway". www.lasttackle.com. http://www.lasttackle.com/feature_1599-all-go-in-norway.html. Retrieved on 2009-06-15. 

[edit] External links

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