This type of sport originated in England in the XIX century. William Webb Eliss was the father of rugby sport. You can find some interesting facts about this spectacular sport in our article.

Named after the city

There is a Rugby city in England. That’s where the football match was, during which a college student decided to break the rules by picking up a ball and running to a goalpost. Later, someone put a plaque on the wall of Rugby School with the words on it: “This stone commemorates the exploit of William Webb Ellis who with a fine disregard for the rules of football, as played in his time, first took the ball in his arms and ran with it, thus originating the distinctive feature of the Rugby game.”. That’s how the Rugby sport was born.

Considered the royal type of sports

Rugby is still called “the sport for aristocracy” in many countries of the United Kingdom. Sure, every person can become a rugby player these days. However, this game still has the spirit of aristocracy and the culture of those days. And there’s one funny thing: every man from the royal family must play rugby. That is the part of their education.

A dangerous sport

If you open a list of the most dangerous types of sport, you will see rugby there. It has the same injury level as horse riding or alpinism have. However, real rugby players are not afraid of trauma and play bravely. That’s the reason why rugby matches are so popular among fans. Most of them won’t miss the opportunity to bet on their favorite team. We advise you to choose a reliable betting company from the list which you can find on the website bookmaker-ratings.net.za for that purpose. 

A rugby spirit

The players of other types of sport usually lose control under the adrenaline. However, dirty tricks and posturing are unacceptable in rugby. Both fans and players condemn such behavior. The respectful attitude to opposing teams and the strength of personal and team spirit — that’s what actually values in rugby. A player stands up right after he falls because he knows his teammates need help. That’s how players learn patience, stamina, and team skills.

Underwater rugby

This type of rugby was invented for German divers. People pump the ball full of saltwater so it can sink. There are 12 players on each team. Six of them are in the pool, while the other six are waiting near the pool to replace teammates if it’s necessary. 

The oldest rugby club is 172 years old

You can find it at the University of Dublin. It was founded in 1850.

The symbol of Twickenham

Rugby players are the official symbol of the English town. Twickenham’s coat of arms has two players standing in front of the gate.

Che Guevara’s favorite sport

Many famous people of the second half of the XX century loved playing rugby. Ernesto Che Guevara was one of them. His asthma and other health problems couldn’t keep him from playing with the “Atalaya” team.

Sport for women

Women’s rugby union was founded in 1983. The first Rugby World Cup for women was held in 1991.

Olympic sport 

Rugby is not included in Olympic games, but it was at the beginning of the XX century.

The father of basketball

Rugby players couldn’t train outside in winter, so they decided to go to the sports hall because they didn’t want to lose their shape. And somehow rugby developed into another sport — basketball.