A Brief History of Rugby Football
In order to understand why rugby is sometimes called football, we have to go back in time to the origins of both sports. Rugby and soccer, or association football, are both derived from an early form of football that was played in England in the 19th century.
This early version of football was a rough and often violent game, with few standardized rules. It was during this time that two distinct forms of football began to emerge: rugby football and association football.
How Rugby Football Got Its Name
Rugby football got its name from the famous Rugby School in England, where the sport was first played. According to popular legend, in 1823, a young student named William Webb Ellis picked up the ball during a game of football and started running with it. This new way of playing the game eventually developed into rugby football.
While there is no concrete evidence to support this story, it is widely accepted as the origin of rugby football. Today, the Rugby World Cup trophy is named the Webb Ellis Cup in honor of this legend.
The Confusion Between Rugby and Football
Since both rugby and soccer originated from the same early form of football, they are sometimes called by the same name. In fact, in many countries, the word "football" is used to refer to both sports interchangeably.
This can cause confusion, especially for people who are not familiar with the differences between the two sports. However, in countries where rugby is more popular, like New Zealand and South Africa, the term "rugby" is used more often to distinguish it from soccer.
Understanding the Differences Between Rugby and Soccer
While both rugby and soccer are forms of football, there are some distinct differences between the two sports. The most obvious difference is the shape of the ball: rugby balls are more oval, while soccer balls are round.
Another major difference is the way the ball is handled during play. In rugby, players can use their hands to carry, pass, and kick the ball, while in soccer, only the goalkeeper can use their hands to touch the ball. Additionally, rugby has more physical contact, such as tackling and scrums, compared to soccer.
Why Rugby is Called Football in Some Countries
In many countries, rugby is simply called football because it is the more popular version of the sport. For example, in Australia, rugby league and rugby union are often referred to as football, while soccer is called "soccer".
The terminology can vary greatly depending on the region, and in some cases, the word "football" can refer to either rugby or soccer, depending on the context.
America's Take on Rugby and Football
In the United States, the term "football" is most commonly associated with American football, a sport that shares some similarities with rugby but has unique rules and gameplay. American football evolved from early forms of rugby and soccer, and today it is one of the most popular sports in the country.
Rugby, on the other hand, is a lesser-known sport in the United States, and is often referred to simply as "rugby" to avoid confusion with American football.
Global Influence of Rugby Football
Rugby football has had a significant impact on various sports around the world. As previously mentioned, American football has its roots in rugby, and Canadian football also shares similarities with the sport. Additionally, rugby has influenced other sports like Australian rules football, Gaelic football, and even basketball.
The popularity of rugby continues to grow internationally, with the sport being played in over 100 countries and featured in events like the Rugby World Cup and the Olympic Games.
Common Misconceptions About Rugby and Football
Due to the confusion between rugby and soccer, there are several misconceptions about the two sports. Some people mistakenly believe that rugby is a more violent or dangerous sport than soccer, when in fact both sports have their fair share of injuries and physical contact.
Another misconception is that rugby is an "elite" sport, played only by the upper class. While rugby has its origins in a prestigious English school, today it is played by people of all backgrounds and social classes worldwide.
The Future of Rugby Football
As rugby continues to grow in popularity around the world, it is likely that the sport will become more widely known as rugby, rather than football. This will help to reduce confusion between rugby and soccer and promote a better understanding of the unique aspects of each sport.
With the inclusion of rugby sevens in the Olympic Games and the continued success of the Rugby World Cup, the future of rugby football looks bright.
Conclusion
In conclusion, rugby is sometimes called football because both sports share a common origin in early forms of football played in England. While there are some similarities between rugby and soccer, the two sports have distinct rules and gameplay. Ultimately, the term "rugby" is becoming more widely used to differentiate the sport from soccer and other forms of football, helping to promote a better understanding of the unique aspects of each sport.
