Rugby World Cup vs Rugby League World Cup: What is the Difference?

The Rugby World Cup is approaching and many sports fans are getting confused since Rugby League World Cup just got over. So many are trying to find the answer that what is the difference between Rugby World Cup and Rugby League World Cup. So we decided to dedicate a complete article which will explain to you the difference between the two.

Rugby is a sport that is enjoyed by millions of people around the world. However, there are two main variations of the sport: Rugby Union, which is governed by World Rugby, and Rugby League, which is governed by the Rugby League International Federation. The most significant difference between the two is the number of players on the field and the rules of the game.

Rugby World Cup: History, Format, Teams & Significance

Rugby Union, also known as Rugby, is the version of the game that is played in the Rugby World Cup. The tournament has been held every four years since its inception in 1987 and is organized by World Rugby. The format of the tournament includes 20 teams that are divided into four pools. The top two teams from each pool advance to the knockout stages, where the winner is crowned the Rugby World Cup champion. The teams that compete in the Rugby World Cup are the best national teams from around the world, and the tournament is considered the pinnacle of the sport.

Rugby League World Cup: History, Format, Teams & Significance

On the other hand, Rugby League is played in the Rugby League World Cup. The tournament has been held every four years since its inception in 1954 and is organized by the Rugby League International Federation. The format of the tournament includes 14 teams that are divided into three pools. The top two teams from each pool advance to the knockout stages, where the winner is crowned the Rugby League World Cup champion. The teams that compete in the Rugby League World Cup are the best national teams from around the world, and the tournament is considered the pinnacle of the sport.

Also Read: Rugby World Cup 2023 Team Base Camps

Differences between Rugby World Cup and Rugby League World Cup

One of the main differences between the Rugby Union and Rugby League is the number of players on the field. Rugby Union has 15 players on the field while Rugby League has 13 players on the field. The other difference is the rules of the game, Rugby League has more set plays and more of a focus on ball control, while Rugby Union is more open and has more of a focus on ball movement and evasion.

Another significant difference between Rugby Union and Rugby League is the governing bodies and the countries that organize the tournaments. Rugby Union is governed by World Rugby and the tournament is organized by different countries on rotation. The Rugby World Cup is organized by Japan, France, New Zealand and South Africa in the next couple of decades. On the other hand, Rugby League is governed by the Rugby League International Federation and the tournament is organized by different countries on rotation. The Rugby League World Cup is organized by England, Australia and New Zealand in the next couple of decades.

Lastly, Rugby Union is considered more popular and has a more significant global reach compared to Rugby League. Rugby Union has more countries with national teams and has more fans around the world. The Rugby World Cup is considered one of the most popular and most-watched sporting events in the world, while the Rugby League World Cup is considered a minor tournament in comparison.

Comparison Table: RWC vs RLWC Difference Summary

Conclusion

In conclusion, Rugby Union and Rugby League are both variations of the sport of rugby that are enjoyed by millions of people around the world. The main differences between the two are the number of players on the field, the rules of the game, the governing bodies, and the countries that organize the tournaments. Understanding these differences is important for fans and players of the sport to appreciate the unique aspects of each variation of the game.