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The sport is governed by the International Rugby Board (http://www.irb.org/), founded in 1886, who also publish the game's laws (http://www.irb.com/laws_regs/laws/index.cfm).
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History Rugby originated in England and is played throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland. As a result of the British Empire, it has also become popular in many former colonies such as Australia, South Africa and New Zealand, where it helped to build a sense of community amongst colonial men.
In fact, in these isolated and rugged outposts, the popularity of the sport developed to a much greater extent than on continental Europe; where it was largely viewed as a violent and uncultured game. These European countries have therefore always tended to prefer football. However it is often said that "Football is a gentlemen's game played and enjoyed by louts, rugby is a game for louts played and enjoyed by gentlemen".
Nowadays, rugby is played in most European mainland countries, most notably in France and Italy who now both compete in the Six Nations Rugby Tournament. The rugby playing world is often divided between the Northern hemisphere and the Southern hemisphere teams, and the latter have often dominated international tournaments.
Currently, Australia is enjoying great success, holding both the Rugby Union World Cup and the Bledisloe Cup (between Australia and New Zealand). However, in 2002 Australia lost the annual Tri Nations Series (between Australia, New Zealand and South Africa) with New Zealand winning the series on points differential. In leadup matches in June 2003, England beat both New Zealand and Australia in those countries, beating Australia in Australia for the first time.This makes for an intriguing World Cup in 2003, with the three southern hemisphere teams all fairly equal in strength and a very strong English side playing away from home.
1900 Paris, France - Three teams entered - France, Germany and Britain. France won the gold, winning 27-17 against Germany, who were awarded the silver medal. Britain lost 27-8 to France in the only other match, and were awarded the bronze.
1908 London, United Kingdom[?] - Two teams entered - Britain, the hosts, and Australia. Just one match was played, a straight final, won by Australia, 32-3.
1920 Antwerp, Belgium[?] - Two teams entered - USA and France. The USA caused a shock by winning the only match 8-0 to take the gold medal.
1924 Paris, France[?] - Three teams entered - France, USA and Romania. Each country played two games. Both France and USA beat Romania, who were awarded the bronze medal. France won 59-3, scoring 13 tries including four by the fine Stade Francais winger Adolphe Jaureguy. The USA then defeated Romania 39-0. The final was played at Colombes stadium, Paris on 18 May 1924 and the USA took the gold with a 17-3 victory before 30,000. The Americans, from Stanford University, scored five tries, (Farrish(2), Patrick, Rogers and Manelli), with a conversion by Doe. Gallau scored the lone French try. The match finished in uproar, when Gideon Nelson, one of the French reserves, was flattened by a walking stick. The American anthem was jeered, and rugby ceased at the Olympics.
There has been talk of reinstating rugby at the Summer Olympics, either as the full 15 a side game or as the 7 a side game. Currently no firm plans have been made.
How points are scored There are several methods of scoring points in the game:
Team positions The following is a diagram explaining the various positions in the 15-man team. The first eight players are known as forwards and play in the scrum. The remaining seven players are known as the backs and are responsible for a considerable amount of the attacking play.
Loosehead Prop | Hooker | Tighthead Prop | |||
Second Row | Second Row | ||||
Blindside Flanker | Number 8 | Openside Flanker | |||
Scrum Half | |||||
Fly Half | |||||
Inside Centre | |||||
Left Wing | Outside Centre | ||||
Right Wing | |||||
Full Back |
Some positions have alternative names, in New Zealand in particular:
Teams Notable teams include:
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