NEWS
Rugby vs Soccer: What’s the Difference?
Have you ever considered kicking a ball around a field instead of playing American football?
Soccer and rugby are the two most popular sports worldwide. It’s even better when both sports give you plenty of room for competition and the ability to work well with others.
Still, there are many fundamental differences between the two sports. If you need help with what to do, keep reading for everything you need for rugby vs soccer!
Objective
Rugby is a sport where teams aim to score points by advancing the ball down the field and touching it down in the opponent’s goal area for a try, worth 5 points. After a try, teams can earn additional points through a conversion kick. Penalty kicks, rugby strategies, and drop goals are also ways to score points in rugby.
On the other hand, soccer’s objective is to score goals by kicking the ball into the opponent’s net, which is worth 1 point. Unlike rugby, there are no conversions or drop goals in soccer.
Ball Usage
In rugby, players can carry and pass the ball with their hands, but the ball must always be passed backward or sideways (laterally) to avoid a forward pass. Kicking the ball is also common in rugby. In soccer, players primarily use their feet to control, pass, and shoot the ball. Only the goalkeeper is allowed to handle the ball within their penalty area.
Physical Contact
Rugby is a full-contact sport where players can tackle opponents to gain possession of the ball. Tackles involve wrapping the arms around the player and bringing them to the ground.
In soccer, physical contact is limited and tackles aim to dispossess opponents without excessive force. Slide tackles are allowed but must be executed properly.
Scoring Methods
In rugby, teams can score through tries, conversions, penalties, drop goals, and penalty tries. In soccer, goals scored by shooting the ball into the opponent’s net are the primary scoring method. Goals can be scored from various positions on the field.
Team Size
Rugby teams consist of 15 players on the field for each side, divided into two categories: forwards and backs. Soccer teams have 11 players on the field for each side: defenders, midfielders, and forwards.
Uniforms
In rugby and soccer, teams wear specific uniforms, but there are notable differences in the attire. Rugby teams typically wear a rugby jersey, a durable, short-sleeved shirt made of heavy fabric to withstand the game’s physical demands. Rugby players also wear men’s rugby shorts, usually made of strong fabric, and rugby socks that cover the calf.
Players wear a soccer jersey, a lightweight, short-sleeved shirt made of breathable fabric to keep players cool during the match. Soccer players also wear shorts and socks, typically worn pulled up to the knee. Soccer cleats are designed for grip on grass or artificial turf surfaces.
Knowing the Difference Between Rugby vs Soccer
Rugby and soccer have many similarities and differences. Rugby is more physical, but soccer requires better stamina, whereas soccer is more technical, but rugby provides more excitement.
Both are great team sports and offer healthy physical activity, camaraderie, and competition. If you’re curious about which sport to choose from between rugby vs soccer, why not test them and make your own decision?
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