Ignorant question by a novice fan...what's the difference between League and Union? Which is the World Cup?

Question

Ignorant question by a novice fan...what's the difference between League and Union? Which is the World Cup?

Answer 1

The World Cup that is on right now in France is the Rugby Union World Cup.

There are a lot of differences between League and Union.  Rugby League came from a bunch of people that split from Rugby Union many years ago because they wanted to be paid to play but the Union purists wanted Rugby to remain amateur.

League has 2 less players on the field.  There are no rucks or mauls, they simply have a "play the ball" where the tackled player rolls the ball between their legs while the defending team gets back 10 metres.  There are no lineouts in League either.  Points are little different too.  4 for a try (5 in Union), 2 for a penalty (3 in Union), 1 for a dropped goal (3 in Union) and both have 2 points for the conversion after a try.

Both games are great sports, which one you prefer is different to everyone.  There are a few more differences but those are the basics.

Answer 2

Check out the links below.

Currently the Rugby Union world cup is in full swing in France. The 6th edition of the William Webb Ellis Rugby World Cup.