What is the difference between rugby union and rugby league?

They are two separate sports that split from a single game in 1895, over payment rather than rules. Northern English clubs wanted to compensate working players for missed shifts; the governing body refused, and the breakaway clubs formed what became rugby league. The rules diverged afterwards.

Team size. Union has 15 players; league has 13. League removed both flankers.

The tackle. This is the largest difference in how the games feel. In union, play continues after a tackle and possession is contested at the breakdown — a ruck can be won by either side. In league, the tackled player is allowed to get up and roll the ball back with their foot, and the attacking side keeps possession. After six tackles without scoring, possession passes to the opposition, which is why league sides usually kick on the fifth.

Set pieces. Union has contested scrums and lineouts, both genuine competitions for the ball. League scrums are largely uncontested formalities, and there are no lineouts — play restarts from a kick or a tap.

Scoring. A try is worth five points in union and four in league. Conversions are two in both. A penalty kick is three in union, two in league. A drop goal is three in union and one in league.

Union is the more widely played internationally, with the Rugby World Cup as its showpiece. League is strongest in northern England, eastern Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, where it is the national sport.

The two also differ in pace: league's guaranteed possession produces a faster, more structured game, while union places more emphasis on contesting the ball.