Rugby is a game with millions of players and fans the world over. The sport is played with an oval ball and is a predecessor of American football. In modern times, two forms of the game exist, with Rugby Union and Rugby League existing as separate entities with their own distinct set of laws.
Origins
English schoolboy William Webb Ellis is widely credited with beginning the sport of rugby. Ellis was a student at rugby school in the early 19th century. In 1823 a version of Association Football was being played at the school where Ellis caught the ball and ran with it. The game permitted handling at the time but running with the ball was not allowed. The Rugby Football History states this concept is up for debate. However, the belief is strong enough for the Rugby World Cup to be named the William Webb Ellis trophy. Others believe rugby is derived from the Irish sport of caid, or the ancient Welsh game known as cnapan.
Rules
The laws of the game have evolved over time with rugby, with the game eventually being split into two separated codes, Rugby Union and Rugby League. The first rugby laws were drawn up in 1845 by three senior pupils at rugby school. Many of the laws used in the modern game were in existence with the ball having to be passed backward and a try being awarded for grounding the ball over the opposition goal line. Over time, tackling and scrum laws have been adjusted partly to speed up the game and also with an emphasis on player safety.
Union and League
In 1895, rugby split into two codes in a move referred to by rugby fans as the great schism. Class lines played a role in the divide with player payment, and later professionalism was a bone of contention that caused the Northern Union to split away in 1895. Originally, working class players were paid for missed time when playing.
Professionalism
In more modern times rugby league players were paid to play while professionalism was banned from Rugby Union. In the late 1980s union stars such as Jonathan Davies switched over to Rugby League to be professional. Rugby Union began turning professional in the late 1990s. In modern times players have switched code back from Rugby League over to Rugby Union, with a notable example being England's World Cup winning winger Jason Robinson.
World Cup
Both codes of the game now have top level international competition, with a World Cup being played every four years. The first Rugby League World Cup was contested in 1954. The Rugby Union World Cup is governed by the International Rugby Board, and has been contested since 1987. The winner is awarded the William Webb Ellis trophy. The 1995 World Cup in South Africa is said to have played a huge role in racial relations within the host nation. Nelson Mandela's role in the tournament was depicted in the Hollywood movie Invictus.
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