American Football vs Rugby - Differences, Risk & Injuries
American football is the most popular sport in the USA, rather than Rugby. In 2022, the NFL has generated approximately $27 billion. Now you have an idea about the popularity and the industry of American Football.
On the other hand, Rugby is an international sport and has a golden history for a long time. So comparing American Football vs Rugby is like comparing an apple and an orange. Both are great for different tastes.
In this blog post, we'll expose all the secrets and differences between American football and Rugby. We have also included similarities, history, and everything between those sports.
Differences Between American Football vs Rugby
Rugby is an ancient game for nearly 200 years (non-recorded). Still, it plays an important role in the sports industry worldwide. Though American football was inspired by soccer and rugby, Now it has become one of the most popular games. So no one of those is less than anyone. Now, see some uniqueness and differences between American Football and Rugby.
| Differences Between American Football and Rugby | |||
| Subject | American Football | Rugby | |
| First Match | 6 November 1869 (Rutgers vs. New Jersey) | 27 March 1971 (Scotland vs. England) | |
Field Size | Total Length | 120 yards (109.73 m) | 131.234 yards (120 m) |
| Playing Field | 100 yards (91.44 m) | 109.36 yards (100 m) | |
| End Zone | 2×10-yards (Total: 18.29 m) | 2×10.93-yards (Total:20 m) | |
| Width | 53.33 yards (48.76 m) | 74–76 yards (68 m) | |
Ball Dimension | Materials | Leather (cowhide) | Leather, Natural Rubber |
| Weight | 14-15oz (397-425g) | 14-16 oz (400-450g) | |
| Pressure | 12.5-13.5 psi (86.2-93.1 kPa) | 9.5-10 psi (65.7-68.8 kPa) | |
| Length | 11.0-11.25 inches (28-28.5 cm) | 11”-12” | |
| Diameter | 6.5-6.8 inches (16.5-17.2 cm) | 7.27”-7.77” | |
| Circumference (Long) | 28”-28.5” | 29.13”-30.31” | |
| Circumference (Short) | 21”-21.25” | 22.83”-24.41” | |
Players | Field | 11 Players for each team | 15 Players for each team |
| Substitution | Unlimited | 7 Players | |
| Heaviest Player | Terrell Brown (174 kg) | Walid Maamry (170 kg) | |
| Lightest Player | Deven Thompkins (154 Lbs) | Fumiaki Tanaka (159 Lbs) | |
| Tallest Player | Richard Sligh (7’ 0”) | Richard Metcalfe (7’ 0”) | |
| Smallest Player | Jack Shapiro (5’ 1”) | Craig Casey (5’ 5”) | |
| Protective Gear for Players | Required | Helmet and Mouthguard | Mouthguard |
| Allowed | Shoulder Pad/Chest protector, upper leg padding. | Lightweight safety gear for Head, Shoulders, Collarbone, etc. (Limited). | |
Equipment | Uniform, Penalty marker or flag, Bean bag, Down indicator, Game data card, pencil, and Stopwatch. | Uniform, Boots, Microphone & earpiece, Coin, Whistle, Red card, yellow card, Flag, Watch, Scorecard. | |
| Referees | 5 Referees in Varsity & 3/4/5 Referees in Non-Varsity. | 1 Referee & 2 Assistant Referees. | |
| Time Duration of Game | 60 Minutes | 80 Minutes | |
| Location | The USA, Canada | Worldwide | |
Major Tournaments |
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Champion Team Right Now |
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Rules |
Touch Down | Scoring a touchdown happens when a player carries or catches the ball into the opponent's end zone. It's worth six points, and the team can try for more points after. | There's no touchdown. Instead, players score tries by putting the ball down over the opponent's goal line. A try is worth five points, and there's no extra point. |
Tackles | Stop the game, and the team gets a new chance to move forward. | Tackles happen, but the game keeps going. Teams fight for the ball on the ground after a tackle. | |
| Carrying the Ball | Some players carry the ball using their hands. | Anyone can carry the ball, but they have to hold it in their hands or arms. | |
Team Makeup | Teams have different groups for offense, defense, and special plays. | Rugby teams are more flexible, and players do both offense and defense. | |
| Game Flow | The game stops and starts a lot between plays. | Rugby keeps going most of the time, with only a few breaks. | |
| Scoring | Besides touchdowns, teams can get points in different ways. | Other than tries, teams score with kicks and goals. | |
Historical Background of American Football vs Rugby
The game of ball has started more than 2000 years ago. In the Roman Empire, They played a ball game called "Harpastum" which means holding a ball. Roman and British people played this game since the 1st century BC.
After BC, it starts to expand to various countries in various formats and names. Such as names in New Zealand's "Ki-o-rahi", Italy’s "Calcio Fiorentino", Japan's "kemari", and Australia's "marn grook". The game of ball was played non-organized, from the 5th to 16th century, But it became very popular in the world at this time.
History of Rugby
Rugby has a very interesting history behind the discovery of this game. It is about a guy called William Webb Ellis. In 1923, during a soccer match in England, Webb Ellis picked up the ball and ran with the ball. Yes, the Rugby comes from a match of soccer.
In 1945, during World War II, the Rugby Union started its first journey with written rules. Though the Rugby Football Union has been in since 1945, they started their active journeys in 1991. This year they also played the first match of the Rugby game.
History of American Football
American football is a mixed version of the soccer and Rugby game. It is different from soccer for using the hand to touch, throw, and carry the ball. And, it is different from rugby because of the rule, “Each team gets turns to control the ball.” It started in North America, especially it is very popular in the United States.
Some people from Canada also play American football (12 Players), but it is not too popular in Canada. The other name of the football is “gridiron football”. The NFL has been promoting the game in Europe since the 1980s.
In this comparison of American Football vs Rugby, we will explore the root of American football. Gridiron football started in American universities and became a big part of American sports.
The first game of college football was held in 1869 between Princeton and Rutgers in New Jersey. In 1873, Columbia and Yale were also interested in playing American football. So Princeton, Yale, and Rutgers created the Intercollegiate Football Association. In 1876, Harvard also joined this association and made a new association based on rugby rules.
Historical Background of American Football vs Rugby | Quick Overview
| Aspect | American Football | Rugby |
| Origins | A Mixed version of soccer and rugby, originated in North America. | Traces back to Roman "Harpastum," evolved from a soccer match in 1923. |
| Evolution | Distinct sport with unique rules. | Evolved from William Webb Ellis, formalized in 1945, active since 1991. |
| Team Possession | Turn-based possession. | Continuous possession with turnovers. |
| Popularity | Highly popular in the United States and some in Canada. | Global popularity with diverse followings. |
| Formation | Rooted in American universities, with the first game in 1869. | Ancient origins in the Roman Empire. Formalized in 1945. |
Best 5 Similarities of American Football vs Rugby
Though there are big between American football and rugby, they also have many similarities. As you know, the roots of American football are soccer and rugby. So it is common that there will be many similarities between the two games. Here, we will explore 5 similarities between American football vs. Rugby.
- The main objective of those games is the same. They need to compete to advance the ball across the opponent's goal line to score.
- Both game uses an oval-shaped ball, though the dimensions of those balls are not the same.
- Physical contact, tackling, and strategic gameplay are common requirements for those games.
- Collaborative efforts are a must to move the ball forward and defend against the opposing team.
- Both sports demand a combination of running, passing, and kicking skills.
American Football vs Rugby Injuries Comparison
American football and rugby both are dangerous sports for injuries. Players of those games can get injured while playing. There is a high chance of injuries due to sprains, fractures, and concussions.
In American football, injuries to the head and upper body are more common. On the other hand, in rugby, players wear less protective gear, so they often get more injuries compared to football.
The injury rate of football is nearly 4.9 per 1000 players, while rugby had 15.2 injuries per 1000 athletic exposures (AEs). The injury rate is higher in the associated games rather than in the practice matches. Most of the injuries in rugby are shoulder, wrist/hand, lower leg, sprains, fractures, and contusions.
The Concussion rates were 2.5 per 1000 AEs in rugby and 1.0 per 1000 AEs in football. We have seen a famous football player fall his career to injuries recently. 's talking about Baker Mayfield, the most popular football player in the NFL.
However, Each sport has its own rules, and these rules affect the kinds of injuries that happen. For example, rugby has things like scrums and rucks that can lead to different types of injuries not seen in American football.
Even though injuries can happen, both sports are working to make the game safer. They are always improving rules, gear, and medical care to protect players and reduce the risk of injuries.
Conclusion
Hope we have cleared all confusion, including differences and similarities between American Football vs Rugby. There are huge differences between the two games but also many similarities. Additionally, we have included the history and injury potential of both sports. So look at the table and get insights into those sports.
You need to know that football and rugby both are dangerous sports. Sometimes players get noticeable injuries. That's why the NFL and Rugby Union are trying to improve the rules of these games to reduce their injuries.
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Frequently Asked QuestionsA mixed
Is American football the same as rugby?
No, American football and rugby are different sports. But they have some similarities, they have distinct rules, gameplay, and characteristics. All we have covered in the article about “American Football vs Rugby”.
Which is tougher rugby or American football?
It is hard to say which is tougher between rugby and American football. Both sports require physical strength and gaming strategy. According to my personal opinion, Rugby is tougher than American football. Rugby has limitations for safety gear you can use and a high chance of injury.
Why is American football not called rugby?
American football was inspired by soccer and rugby. But it has built its own rules and characteristics. Overall, football and rugby are individual games. That's why American football is not called rugby.
Is rugby more famous than American football?
Partially Yes, while you are talking about the regional popularity. Rugby is older than football, and it is known all over the world. On the other hand, American football is very popular in North America, especially in the USA and Canada. Each sport has its fan base, and their fame varies in different regions and cultures.
Why is rugby not as popular as American football?
American football has a strong presence and popularity in the USA and Canada. It has been built with the help of the NFL. But the Rugby union can't afford to market the Rugby like the NFL because of the lack of investment.
Secondly, American Football has a specific high-quality audience. So a lot of sponsors are competing to advertise their product or service during the game. But Rugby is not getting any investment from anywhere. For these reasons, rugby is not as popular as American football.
