American Football vs Rugby: A Comprehensive Comparison
American Football vs Rugby: The debate around American Football vs Rugby is as old as the sports themselves. These two popular sports have numerous similarities but also distinct differences that make them unique in their own right. The understanding of these distinctions hinges on factors like the ball used, protective gear, the playing field, and the physical contact involved. Let’s dive deeper into the intricacies of these exciting games.
READ: Champions League vs Premier League: Which Is the Best?
Comparison chart
| American Football | Rugby | |
| Definition | Also known as Gridiron is an intense game that requires players to have speed and power. Before the match start, players need to put on their helmets and padding to protect themselves | Rugby is a game with intense physical aggression and necessary endurance. Rugby professional players require speed and agility in several positions, others require strength to form a perfect starting lineup in union |
| Number of players | 11 players per team | 15 players per Union |
| Time limit | Gridiron football games last for a total of 60 minutes in professional and college play. They are divided into two halves of 30 minutes and four quarters of 15 minutes. | Two 40-minute halves with a ten-minute half-time. The clock only stops when having injuries. |
| Major League | The National Football League – NFL | English Premiership Rugby, French Top 14, New Zealand Mite 10 Cup, Australian National Rugby Championship, South African Currie Cup, European Rugby Champions Cup, Super Rugby |
| Countries | The USA, Canada | Worldwide |
| Major Tournament | The NFL playoffs | Rugby World Cup |
| Substitution | Unlimited | Allowed up to 7 players (depending on the tournament rules) |
| Protective Gear | A helmet, Shoulder pad, Chest pad, upper leg protector, and mouth protector are required | Only mouthguards are required in the games |
| Field size | Length: 109.728 meters, width: 48.768 meters in total. Furthermore, the end zone of each team requires 9.144 meters | 120 meters if the end zone is included in the field |
| Current World Champions | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | New Zealand All Blacks (Rugby Union World Cup) |
American Football vs Rugby: The Origins
American Football vs Rugby: The Origins
The origins of both sports give us a context of how and why they developed the way they did.
- American Football: This sport, mostly confined to the United States, evolved from rugby and soccer and became formalized in the late 19th century. American football fields are distinctly marked and use a prolate spheroid-shaped ball.
- Rugby: Originated in England in the early 19th century, and over time split into two main types: Rugby Union and Rugby League. Rugby pitches, like football fields, are also rectangular but have different markings. The rugby ball is slightly bigger and rounder compared to the American football vs rugby ball.
American Football vs Rugby Ball
The shape and dimensions of the ball used in both sports are different.
- American Football: The ball is a prolate spheroid, about 11 inches long and 22 inches in circumference at the center.
- Rugby Ball: It’s larger and rounder, 11-11.6 inches long, and 23-24 inches in circumference across the width.
American football vs Rugby rules comparison
In America: There are 11 players on the field for each team. During the match, the team will have unlimited substitutions. Each team gets three time-outs per half. Two teams will line up in opposite positions from each other.
When a kick-off signal is released, the receiving player can run with the ball or pass it to their team mated. This depends on the strategy that the head coach wants. Each team needs to pass the ball at least 9.14 meters within 4 downs to score points. However, if the team fails, the other gets the chance to score points. The main objective is to score points by advancing the pointed oval-shaped ball into the opponent’s team’s goal area.
Besides, there are different things to know about rugby rules. A rugby team has 15 players, which is divided into the offensive and the defensive lineup square. The offensive lineup squad often contain stronger player from the teams. The defensive lineup squad is usually having smaller, faster players. When a kickoff signal is released, the player of the receiving team can run with the ball, kick it, or pass the ball to any other player.
During the match, no contact is allowed besides tackles, scrummages, rucks, mauls, and lineouts. When a team has crossed the opposing team’s goal line and touched the ball to the ground, a try is scored (five points). After each try, the scoring team has the opportunity to score two more points with a conversion.
YOU CAN SEE MORE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN:
Rugby vs American football injuries
In American football, 11 players from each team need to compete on every inch of the field. That makes this sport extremely dangerous if players do not have good fitness. Before the match kick-off, players need to wear full protective gear which makes them look like a warrior going into a war zone.
This sport was a too dangerous event former US President Barack Obama was afraid of the violent factors before the Super Bowl League started. He said that, if he had a son, he need to consider hard before allowing his son to play the most common sport in the USA. He also said that American football needs to be less violent.
Unlike American sports, in the case of Rugby, any kind of screening and obstruction to players who do not have the ball is not allowed. This is the main reason why Rugby is much safer.
Protective Gear: American Football and Rugby
The level of protective gear worn by players in both sports is vastly different due to the nature and rules of physical contact.
- American Football: Players wear comprehensive protective gear, including helmets, shoulder pads, chest pads, hip pads, knee pads, and cleats.
- Rugby: Players usually wear a gum shield, and optional gear includes headgear (scrum cap), thin shoulder pads, and shin guards.
Rugby vs American football geographical differences
Both sports enjoy fervent popularity in different parts of the world today.
American Football: It is one of the most popular sports in the United States with the NFL (National Football League) being a major sports league.
Rugby: It’s a major sport in countries like New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, with the Rugby Union and Rugby League both having significant followings.
Conclusion
American Football vs Rugby—both sports offer an exhilarating blend of strategy, athleticism, and team spirit. You can see more in the same article “American Football vs Soccer“. While American football involves more protective gear and is mainly popular in the United States, rugby commands a wider global audience with an emphasis on continuous play.
The next time you find yourself watching an American football game or a rugby match, you’ll appreciate the differences and similarities more. This appreciation and understanding help us foster a love for various sports and encourage a spirit of mutual respect among different sporting communities.
Ready to explore more sports comparisons? Dive into the fascinating world of sports analysis with SimilarSports and instantly update the sporting difference for more detail.
