7 Fascinating Rugby Facts That Will Leave You in Awe!
They say rugby has a way of igniting feelings like no other sport. It boasts millions of devoted fans eagerly cheering for their beloved teams on the grandest stages every year. To delve into its roots, rugby union traces its lineage back to several football games that existed well before the 19th century. However, it wasn’t until the middle of that century that the rules were officially crafted and written down. The game was dubbed “rugby union,” particularly because of the concern for the players’ well-being.
In this article, we will share seven fun facts you might not know about rugby.
1. The first rugby balls were crafted using pig’s bladders.
The unique plum shape of rugby balls gives them great aerodynamics, making them easy to grasp and pass across long distances. To capture these characteristics, early rugby balls were crafted from inflated pig bladders, tightly stitched to keep the air inside. It might sound a bit strange, but it’s indeed the historical truth!
2. Rugby was initially known by a completely different name.
According to historians, the sport we recognize as rugby today can be traced back more than 2,000 years to the time of the Romans. They called this game “Harpastum,” a Latin name borrowed from the Greek word for “seize,” which feels quite fitting when you consider the game’s objective.
3. Rugby betting started gaining popularity After 1995
The origins of rugby trace all the way back to 1845 when it was born at Rugby School in Warwickshire, England. The idea was simple yet novel for its time – players carried the ball instead of using their feet. Over the next 150 years or so, rugby evolved and gained popularity worldwide, eventually gaining official sport status in 1995. Surprisingly, rugby has been an official sport for less than 30 years!
Post-1995, rugby betting began to gain traction. Fans who wanted to bet on rugby games had to visit their nearby betting shops. Today, thanks to technology, sports betting has become more accessible. You can, for instance, bet on the rugby World Cup at Lottoland using only a phone and stable internet access.
4. Its Beginning Was Coincidental
Rugby has become one of the world’s most beloved sports, yet its origins remain a mystery to many fans. Fortunately, as a reader, you now have the chance to uncover this fascinating tale.
The history of rugby dates back to 1823, when a young boy named William Webb Ellis participated in a soccer game at Rugby School. During the match, fate intervened as the ball landed in his arms after a kick. In a moment of inspiration, he chose to do something quite extraordinary – he ran down the field while holding the ball in his hands, giving birth to a new sport, which would later be known as “Rugby Football.” His legacy is honoured every four years as the William Webb Ellis Trophy is awarded to the victorious team at the Rugby World Cup.
5. The All Blacks rank among the most accomplished Rugby teams
Few teams in the world of sports can boast the level of greatness achieved by the All Blacks over the years. They stand tall as one of the most triumphant teams in sporting history.
It’s worth noting that their remarkable journey began in 1903 when they played their inaugural match. Since then, they’ve maintained an astonishing win rate of 77.12% in nearly 612 games. Whenever the All Blacks step onto the field, they draw crowds, and even a narrow loss to them is considered a moral victory for the opposition.
Their excellence extends across both 15’s and 7’s rugby, with three Rugby World Cups to their name (although many argue they should have won all except for 1991 and 2003). They also made history by becoming the first rugby team to reach 500 test match victories, solidifying their status as the world’s finest team. It’s a record that may well stand the test of time for a very long while.
6. Rugby Union’s World Cup tournaments come around once every four years
It all started in 1987 when the inaugural Rugby World Cup occurred, and New Zealand emerged as the victors. New Zealand and South Africa share the honour of winning the most Rugby World Cups, each claiming the title three times. In 2015, Australia clinched the championship, while the most recent tournament in 2019 unfolded in Japan, with South Africa emerging triumphant after defeating England in a thrilling final. Fans of rugby eagerly anticipate each World Cup, knowing they occur just once in a four-year cycle. In 1991, Ireland and the United Kingdom jointly hosted the event, and Australia came out on top. The upcoming World Cup in 2023 is set to take place in France, and rugby enthusiasts are already gearing up for the excitement it promises.
7. Rugby’s Country of Origin Has Only Won the World Cup Once
Although rugby originated in England, when you delve into the statistics, it becomes evident that northern hemisphere teams haven’t been the dominant force on the global rugby stage. With a total of nine Rugby World Cups held thus far, New Zealand and South Africa both boast three championships, Australia has secured the title twice, and the northern hemisphere’s lone victor is England, who claimed victory in 2003 in Australia, thanks to Jonny Wilkinson’s iconic kick. Fans of English rugby are eagerly watching the 2023 Rugby World Cup hosted in France, hoping it might provide an opportunity to change this narrative.
