Rugby is a football team sport of British origin, characterized by its combination of strength, skill and tactics. With its unique rules and intense gameplay, rugby has attracted millions of fans worldwide. Article by 789B.MOBI This article will provide insight into the competition rules, playing techniques and historical development of this fascinating sport.
History of Rugby’s development
The history of rugby begins around the 19th century at Rugby School in Warwickshire, England. This sport is said to have emerged from ancient games such as “kicking race” and “running with the ball”. However, there are some important events that we need to learn about to better understand rugby’s development journey.
Origins of Rugby
The early development of rugby was closely related to football. In 1823, a student named William Webb Ellis decided not to follow the traditional rules of football and started running with the ball towards the opponent’s goal. This action is considered the beginning of rugby as a separate sport, and from there, the rules were gradually formed.
Rugby School became the center of development of new rules for rugby. In 1845, the school published the sport’s first set of rules, including regulations on how to catch the ball, how to score points, and fouls. These rules gradually created the foundation for later versions of rugby.
The birth of the Rugby Union
In the mid-19th century, rugby became popular in schools and communities. However, a division between rugby union and rugby league rules began to emerge in the 1890s. This led to the formation of the Rugby Union in 1895, which managed and organized competitions for both formats.
The Rugby Union has played an important role in promoting the sport worldwide. Today, rugby union and rugby league are both growing strongly, with major tournaments such as the Rugby World Cup and Super League.
Global growth and popularity
Rugby has crossed the borders of England and become an international sport. Many countries such as New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and France have become strong teams in international tournaments. Rugby is not only a sport but also an important part of sports culture in many parts of the world.
Furthermore, the development of rugby 7s – a shortened version of rugby – has expanded the accessibility and popularity of the sport. Rugby 7s has been a part of the Summer Olympics since 2016, attracting more participants and followers.
Basic rules in Rugby
When learning about rugby, mastering the rules is extremely important. The rules not only ensure fairness in matches but also help players better understand how the sport works.
How to score points
There are three main ways to score points in rugby, each requiring different techniques and tactics.
Try: This is the main form of scoring in rugby, occurring when a player places the ball on the ground in the opponent’s scoring area. Try is usually scored 5 points.
Conversion: After scoring a try, the scoring team has the opportunity to attempt a conversion kick to score 2 more points. This kick is taken from the position where the player scored the try, as close to the touchline as possible.
Penalty and Drop goals: If the opponent commits a foul, the fouled team can take a free kick to score 3 points. In addition, the player can also perform a drop goal kick while the ball is rolling, which also gives 3 points.
Rules about fouls
In rugby, there are many foul situations that can occur, and understanding these rules helps the match run more smoothly.
Offside: A player is considered to be in breach of the offside rule if they are in front of the opposing player in possession of the ball at the time the ball is passed. This rule helps prevent “cheating” and keeps the game more balanced.
Committing serious errors: Behaviors such as fighting, illegal tackling or dangerous fouls will be dealt with strictly by the referee. Typically, yellow cards and red cards will be used to warn or disqualify violating players.
Types of playing forms
Rugby has two main types: rugby union and rugby league. Each type of form has its own rules and ways of playing, but they all bring appeal to viewers.
Rugby Union: Playing with 15 players per team, rugby union often emphasizes collective strength and tactics. The match took place for 80 minutes, divided into two halves, with many complicated situations.
Rugby League: Played with 13 players per team, rugby league is often faster-paced and has fewer interruptions. Parameters such as the number of attacks and defenses are clearly calculated, creating fierce competition between teams.
Basic techniques in Rugby
To be successful in rugby, players need to master basic techniques. These techniques not only help improve individual performance but also contribute to building the strength of the entire team.
Passing skills
Passing is one of the most important skills in rugby. One precise pass can completely change the outcome of the match.
Hand passing: Passing the ball by hand is the most common form. Players need to make sure that the ball is passed backwards or sideways, not forwards. To perform this pass, the player needs to stand firmly and put force on his dominant hand.
Foot passing: Passing the ball with your feet is often used in situations where you need to quickly escape pressure from your opponent. This form requires players to have good ball control and to easily switch between positions.
Tackle – Defense
Tackle is one of the main defensive techniques in rugby, helping to prevent opponents from scoring points.
Valid Tackle: To make a valid tackle, the defending player needs to approach the opponent from the front and use both arms to hug them. This not only helps deter opponents but also reduces the risk of injury to both sides.
Dangerous Tackle: Absolutely avoid illegal tackling situations, such as tackling from behind or above shoulder height. These acts may result in a yellow or red card from the referee.
Scoring skills
Scoring a goal in rugby is not simply about putting the ball on the ground; it also requires skill, patience and strategy.
Solution within the penalty area: Scoring a goal in your opponent’s penalty area may require coordination between players. Situations such as human walls or attacking plays can help create space for a player to score.
Perform the kick: When performing a conversion kick or penalty, the player needs to choose a reasonable position and align the angle correctly. The ability to stay focused and determined in these crucial moments can determine the victory or defeat of the match.
Featured tournaments in Rugby
Rugby is not only a sport but also a culture, with many major tournaments and events taking place around the world. These tournaments are not only a place for teams to compete, but also an opportunity for fans to experience their passion for the sport.
Rugby World Cup
The Rugby World Cup is the most prestigious tournament in rugby union, taking place every four years. This tournament attracts the attention of millions of fans around the world.
Origin and history: The first tournament was held in 1987 in New Zealand and Australia. Currently, teams from many countries compete, creating dramatic and unforgettable matches.
Strong teams: New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and England are teams that regularly appear in the finals. Memorable moments from these tournaments have become symbols of sportsmanship and enthusiasm.
Six Nations Championship
The Six Nations Championship is an annual tournament between six top European teams: England, France, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Italy.
Tournament structure: Teams will play in a round robin, each team meeting once. Scores are calculated based on wins, draws and losses, creating fierce competition between teams.
Cultural significance: The Six Nations is not just a sports match, but also an opportunity for countries to show their national pride. Ceremonies and activities on the sidelines of the tournament often attract a large number of participants.
The Rugby Championship
The Rugby Championship is a tournament for the four strongest teams in the southern hemisphere: New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Argentina. This tournament usually takes place from August to October every year.
Diverse playing styles: The teams in this tournament often have very different playing styles, from the speed of New Zealand to the power of South Africa. This creates interesting and surprising matches.
Global competition: The Rugby Championship is not only a place for teams to show off their talent but also an opportunity for individual players to shine and make their names known to the world.
Conclude
Rugby is not simply a sport, but also a part of culture and tradition in many parts of the world. Through this article, we have together explored the history, rules, techniques and outstanding tournaments of this sport.
Hopefully the above information will help you have a more comprehensive and in-depth overview of rugby, thereby enhancing your passion for this special sport. Let’s love and support rugby together, so that this sport can grow and spread further in the Vietnamese and worldwide fan community!
