Rugby Union vs Rugby League: Key Differences Explained

Rugby union and rugby league both descended from the same sport. They split in 1895 and have been developing in different directions ever since. If you've ever watched one and wondered why the other looks slightly off, this guide covers everything that separates them. 

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Why did rugby union and league split?

The divide came down to money. In August 1895, 22 northern English clubs broke away from the Rugby Football Union over "broken time" payments - compensation for working-class players who lost wages to play rugby. The RFU refused. The breakaway clubs formed what became the Northern Rugby Football Union, later renamed Rugby League in 1922.

From that point, the two games evolved independently. Union stayed amateur until 1995. League professionalised far earlier and adapted its rules to make the game faster and more commercially appealing.

Rugby League vs Rugby Union: Game Differences

Both games have developed over the years, with growing gameplay differences between the two. In both rugby union and league within the 80 minutes of the game, players must pass the ball backwards, but this is where most of the similarities end. 

How many players are on each team?

Rugby union fields 15 players per side - eight forwards and seven backs. Rugby league fields 13, removing flankers from the forward pack. The positions that remain have similar roles, but the reduced numbers open up more space in league.

Forwards in both codes are the physically demanding positions - props, hookers, and locks doing the heavy lifting at set pieces and in the carry game. If you play forward, our boots for forwards are built around the grip and stability demands of those positions. Backs need a different profile - faster and more agile, with boots for backs favouring lighter weight and ground feel.

How does the tackle work?

This is the biggest practical difference between the two games.

In rugby union, when a player is tackled, a ruck forms. Both teams compete for the ball on the ground. Possession is contested - the defending team can legally try to win it back at the breakdown. This is why union has flankers and specialist breakdown players.

In rugby league, the tackled player simply gets up, places the ball on the ground, and rolls it back with their foot. The defending team retreats ten metres. There is no contest. The attacking team retains possession and the count moves to the next tackle. A team has six tackles before they must hand over the ball - usually kicking on the fifth.

This single rule difference changes almost everything about how the two games are played.

Do both codes have scrums and lineouts?

Scrums exist in both but work differently. In union, a scrum involves eight players from each side and is genuinely contested - teams try to drive opponents back, steal the ball, or win penalties. Props and hookers at the front of the scrum need maximum grip, which is why soft ground boots with screw-in studs are mandatory for forwards in wet conditions. In league, scrums involve six players and are largely uncontested - a way to restart play rather than a tactical battle.

Lineouts only exist in rugby union. When the ball goes into touch, players lift teammates to contest possession in the air. It is one of the most tactically complex elements of union - and lineout lifting blocks are an essential training tool for any club working on their lineout. In league there are no lineouts - play restarts with a tap kick.

How is ball-in-play time different?

League is significantly faster in terms of continuous action. Professional rugby league typically sees around 50 minutes of ball-in-play per 80-minute game. Rugby union averages closer to 35 minutes, with more time spent at scrums, lineouts, and the breakdown.

That difference is by design. League stripped out the contested elements that slow the game down. Whether that makes it better or worse is a matter of taste.

Are the pitches the same size?

Similar but not identical. A rugby union pitch can be up to 144 metres long and 70 metres wide including in-goal areas. League pitches are slightly more compact at a maximum of 122.68 metres long. The markings also differ - union has 22-metre lines and five-metre lines near the try line, league uses ten-metre intervals and a 40-metre line used for the 40:20 kick rule.

Both codes use the same oval ball. Size 5 match balls are standard for adult union and league. In league, Steeden is the official ball supplier for the NRL - we stock rugby league balls as well as balls suitable for both codes.

How does scoring compare?

Scoring works the same way in both codes with one exception. The lower value of a try in league (4 vs 5) is a historical holdover from when the codes diverged.

Adam Clark

Bio As the driving force behind Rugbystuff Clubhouse, I bring a wealth of experience as a prop and a deep-rooted passion for the game. With my extensive rugby knowledge, I’ve developed a profound understanding of the sport. As the founder, I’m dedicated to sharing my knowledge and enthusiasm with fellow rugby fans. My insights, combined with my industry expertise, make Rugbystuff Clubhouse a go-to resource for players, supporters, and enthusiasts alike.