The History

of Rugby

Juana Gomez
Universidad de Mendoza
 Rugby
Rugby is a game that is played by men and women.
A team has 15 players on the field and a match lasts for 80 minutes.

• Do you play rugby?

• Do you know the name of any famous players?

• Do you know where your local club is?

• Do you know anything about the history of rugby?

Did You Know…?

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 Early History
The history of rugby union follows on from various football games played long before the
19th century but it was not until the middle of that century that rules were formulated and
codified.

To score a try would not gain points but would allow a team
to ‘try’ to take a ‘drop at goal’ to score a point. With
sometimes 75 players on each side, this was hard to do and
sometimes games would last up to five days.

Three boys, at Rugby School, published the first set of

written rugby rules in 1845.

Did You Know…?

In 1820, the game of rugby was played rather like football but players were allowed to
catch the ball and kick it out of their hands.

There were also no limits to the number of players on each side!

 What Is the Rugby World Cup?
The Rugby World Cup is a big rugby competition, called a tournament.

This tournament only happens every four years and

rugby fans look forward to it.

The Rugby World Cup started in 1987,

over thirty years ago.

Twenty of the best teams from all around

the world will play and try to win the
tournament.

Each Rugby World Cup takes place in a

different country. 2019’s World Cup is
going to be held in Japan.
 Rugby union equipment
A traditional rugby kit consists of a jersey and shorts, long rugby
socks and boots with studs. The other main piece of equipment is the
rugby ball.
Some modest padding is allowed on the head, shoulders and
collarbone, but it must be sufficiently light, thin and compressible to
meet World Rugby standards. Players may wear a mouthguard to
guard against concussion and chipping of the teeth.