A Spectators Guide to Rugby
A Spectators Guide to Rugby Forwards Backs Rugby is the precursor of American football and has 1 Loose Head Prop 9 Scrumhalf been played in the United States since about 1870. 2 Hooker 10 Flyhalf American football as well as basketball owe many of 3 Tight Head Prop 11 Wing their characteristics to Rugby. Basketball was invented 4 Lock 12 Inside Center by James Naismith as an indoor alternative to Rugby 5 Lock 13 Outside Center when the New England winters required an indoor game. 6 Flanker 14 Wing Some of Rugby's characteristics such as quick switches 7 Flanker 15 Full Back between attack and defense, ball handling and 8 Number Eight committing defenders to attack space are all found in basketball. Some people liken Rugby to tackle Rugby can also be played with ten players to a side, basketball on grass. or even seven to a side. “10s” is often played in the off-season or on smaller pitches. “7s” is commonly Similarly, American Football evolved with many of the played in the summer. “7s” involves a LOT of same principles, strategies and tactics as Rugby. running, and therefore has much shorter halves, However, there are several obvious differences. Rugby is often only 7 to 10 minutes in duration. played at a fast pace, with few stoppages and continuous possession changes. All players on the field, regardless STARTING THE GAME of position, can run, pass, kick and catch the ball. Likewise, all players must also be able to tackle and Just as in American football, rugby begins with a kick defend, making each position both offensive and off to the opponent from mid-field.
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