What is Rugby?
A game played by two teams in which each team tries to carry or kick a ball over the other team’s goal line.
How Many Rugby Teams Are In South Africa?
- Bulls
- Stormers
- Sharks
- Cheetahs
- Lions
- Pumas
- Griquas
Why is rugby so big in South Africa?
Rugby was first introduced to South Africa by British soldiers stationed there. The soldiers would play the game during their free time and quickly gained a following among the local population. Rugby soon became a popular sport among all classes of society in South Africa.
Is rugby a big sport in South Africa?
After soccer, rugby is the most popular sport in South Africa with a following of close to 10 million in a population of close to 50 million.
What is the difference between rugby and football?
The playing rules are very different between American football and rugby. 15 players take to the field in rugby while American football limits that to only 11. A player can be subbed in and out at any time in American football. Rugby uses a 23-player squad and a substituted player cannot return to the field again.
How do you score in rugby?
5 points are scored when you score a touchdown, called a try. This is when you run into the end zone with the ball in your hands and “touch the ball down” for 5 points. This is how “spiking the football” developed in American gridiron. 2 points are scored when kicking the points after the touchdown.