Understanding Australian Rules Football vs. Rugby

Table of Content

I. General Information about Australian Rules Football vs. Rugby

II. Comparison Between Australian Rules Football vs. Rugby

III. Online Store for Australian Rules Football and Rugby Jerseys

Australian Rules Football vs. Rugby are two of the most famous football codes in Australia and New Zealand. Their popularity is nearly equivalent, and the number of fans continues to grow. However, not everyone can distinguish between these two sports. Don't worry—TeeAussie will clarify everything in this article.

General Information about Australian Rules Football vs. Rugby

Although both sports originated from African football, over time, Australian Rules Football and Rugby have developed distinct differences. To better understand Australian Rules Football vs. Rugby, let's go over the most fundamental information about each sport.

Australian Rules Football

Australian Rules Football can be considered a variation of Rugby with additional regulations. This sport emerged in Australia around the 19th century as an alternative to cricket to help players stay active during the winter season. Until 1920, there were no specific rules for this game, and many people believed that Australian Rules Football was inspired by Ireland’s Gaelic football. However, this is not true.

General Information about Australian Rules Football vs. Rugby

Initially, Australians viewed it as a simple recreational activity until the first match was played by members of the Melbourne Cricket Club. In 1858, teachers at the University of Melbourne agreed upon the first official rules of Australian Rules Football. From that point on, the sport gradually spread across the continent. Today, more than 18 teams compete in the top-tier AFL league.

Rugby

In contrast, Rugby is a long-established football code that has been played since ancient Rome. Initially, the rules revolved around players holding the ball and throwing it into the opponent’s net. In 1803, Rugby School in France introduced a new rule allowing players to carry the ball into the goal while being tackled by opponents. This became the foundation of Rugby and the origin of its name.

General Information about Rugby

In 1863, the national governing body, The Football Association, compiled a common set of football rules for European countries. In 1871, the first international match was played under these regulations, laying the groundwork for Rugby’s global development.

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Comparison Between Australian Rules Football vs. Rugby

To provide a comprehensive comparison of Australian Rules Football vs. Rugby, we need to examine their similarities and differences. Below is an assessment compiled by TeeAussie.

Similarities

When comparing Australian Rules Football vs. Rugby, we can identify the following similarities:

Both sports originate from African football and share fundamental rule structures.
Both use an oval-shaped ball, have a high pace of play, and require physical contact.
Players must pass the ball backward and score points by placing the ball in designated areas.
Neither sport requires players to wear rigid protective gear.

Comparison Between Australian Rules Football vs. Rugby

Differences

There are several notable differences when comparing Australian Rules Football vs. Rugby:

Field: The field for Australian Rules Football is oval-shaped, resembling an upgraded version of a traditional cricket ground. Rugby is played on a rectangular field.
Number of Players: Australian Rules Football allows 18 players on the field with unlimited substitutions, whereas Rugby permits 15 players with limited substitutions.
Ball: The Australian Rules Football ball is more rounded at both ends and slightly smaller than a Rugby ball.
Passing: In Rugby, players can only pass laterally or backward, while in Australian Rules Football, players can punch or kick the ball forward.
Scoring System:

In Rugby, players can score through three methods: grounding the ball in the try zone, successfully executing a penalty kick, or converting a try.
In Australian Rules Football, players score by kicking the ball through four goalposts, with a maximum of 6 points per kick.

Game Duration:

Rugby consists of two halves of 40 minutes each.
Australian Rules Football consists of four quarters of 20 minutes each.

The differences Australian Rules Football vs. Rugby

Online Store for Australian Rules Football and Rugby Jerseys

If you now understand Australian Rules Football vs. Rugby and want to own jerseys from both sports in Australia, visit the TeeAussie collection. We guarantee the best quality products at competitive prices, featuring iconic designs inspired by the continent’s most famous football leagues.

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