Rugby vs. Soccer: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 14, 2024
Rugby is a contact sport involving handling and kicking a ball to score points, while Soccer (football) primarily involves kicking a ball into a goal to score, with minimal physical contact.
Key Differences
Rugby is characterized by its physical contact, including tackling, scrums, and rucks, whereas Soccer emphasizes skillful footwork and strategy with minimal physical contact allowed.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 14, 2024
The ball in Rugby is oval and can be carried and passed backward, while in Soccer, the ball is spherical and mostly played with the feet, allowing forward passes.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 14, 2024
Rugby matches involve scoring through tries, conversions, penalty kicks, and drop goals. Conversely, Soccer scores through goals shot into a net.
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Jan 14, 2024
In Rugby, players wear minimal protective gear despite the heavy physical contact. In Soccer, players typically wear shin guards as the game involves less physical contact.
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Jan 14, 2024
Rugby has different variations like Rugby Union and Rugby League, each with its own rules, whereas Soccer has more standardized international rules governed by FIFA.
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Jan 14, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Physical Contact
High level of contact allowed
Minimal contact; mainly skill with feet
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Jan 14, 2024
Play Style
Handling and kicking the ball
Primarily kicking and dribbling the ball
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Jan 14, 2024
Protective Gear
Minimal, despite heavy contact
Shin guards, lesser physical contact
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Jan 14, 2024
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Rugby and Soccer Definitions
Rugby
A game of running with, passing, and kicking an oval ball.
The rugby match drew a large crowd, excited for the dynamic play.
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Dec 18, 2023
Soccer
A game played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball.
Soccer is celebrated globally, with millions of fans and players.
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Dec 18, 2023
Rugby
A team sport involving ball handling and physical contact.
He enjoys playing rugby because of the teamwork and physical challenge.
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Dec 18, 2023
Soccer
Known as football in many countries, governed by FIFA.
The World Cup is the pinnacle of international soccer competition.
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Dec 18, 2023
Rugby
A sport known for scrums and tries.
Scoring a try in rugby requires both strength and strategy.
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Dec 18, 2023
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Soccer
A game where the ball is primarily controlled with the feet.
Soccer requires agility, endurance, and skillful footwork.
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Dec 18, 2023
Rugby
A game where points are scored through tries and kicks.
The rugby team practiced hard for the upcoming championship.
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Dec 18, 2023
Soccer
A sport involving dribbling, passing, and scoring goals.
His excellent footwork in soccer earned him many accolades.
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Dec 18, 2023
Rugby
A game played by two teams of 15 players each on a rectangular field 110 yards long with goal lines and goal posts at either end, the object being to run with an oval ball across the opponent's goal line or kick it through the upper portion of the goal posts, with forward passing and time-outs not permitted.
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Dec 13, 2023
Soccer
A team sport emphasizing strategy and teamwork.
Their soccer team won the championship through excellent teamwork.
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Dec 18, 2023
Rugby
A form of football in which players can hold or kick an ovoid ball; rugby football. The ball cannot be handled forwards and points are scored by touching the ball to the ground in the area past the opponent's territory or by kicking the ball between goalposts and over a crossbar.
The scrum is a distinctive element of rugby.
The two rugbies split following a debate about amateurism.
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Dec 13, 2023
Soccer
A game played on a rectangular field with net goals at either end in which two teams of 11 players each try to drive a ball into the other's goal by kicking, heading, or using any part of the body except the arms and hands. The goalie is the only player who may touch or move the ball with the arms or hands.
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Dec 13, 2023
Rugby
(specifically) The form of the game known as rugby union (see the usage note).
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Dec 13, 2023
Soccer
(Australian rules football) To kick the football directly off the ground, without using one's hands.
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Dec 13, 2023
Soccer
A football game in which two teams of 11 players try to kick or head a ball into the opponents' goal
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Rugby
A contact sport with 15 or 13 players on each team, depending on the variant.
Rugby Union has 15 players, while Rugby League has 13.
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Dec 18, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
How do you score in Rugby?
In Rugby, points are scored through tries, conversions, penalty kicks, and drop goals.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 14, 2024
What is Soccer?
Soccer is a sport where players primarily use their feet to score goals in a net.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 14, 2024
What is Rugby?
Rugby is a contact sport involving handling and kicking an oval ball to score points.
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Jan 14, 2024
Are there offsides in Soccer?
Yes, Soccer has specific offside rules to regulate play.
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Jan 14, 2024
What is a scrum in Rugby?
A scrum is a method of restarting play in Rugby after a minor infringement.
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Jan 14, 2024
What is a try in Rugby?
A try in Rugby is a major scoring method, achieved by grounding the ball in the in-goal area.
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Jan 14, 2024
Is tackling allowed in Soccer?
Tackling in Soccer is allowed but must be carefully executed to avoid fouls.
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Jan 14, 2024
How do you score in Soccer?
In Soccer, points are scored by kicking the ball into the opposing team's goal.
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Jan 14, 2024
What protective gear is used in Rugby?
Rugby players usually wear minimal protective gear, like mouthguards.
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Jan 14, 2024
What is the duration of a Soccer match?
A standard Soccer match lasts 90 minutes, split into two halves.
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Jan 14, 2024
Can Rugby players throw the ball forward?
No, in Rugby, the ball must be passed backward.
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Jan 14, 2024
Is heading the ball common in Soccer?
Yes, heading is a key skill in Soccer for controlling and directing the ball.
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Jan 14, 2024
How many players are on a Rugby team?
Rugby teams have either 15 (Rugby Union) or 13 (Rugby League) players.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 14, 2024
How many players are on a Soccer team?
A Soccer team consists of 11 players.
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Jan 14, 2024
Can Rugby players kick the ball?
Yes, kicking is an integral part of Rugby.
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Jan 14, 2024
Is headgear common in Rugby?
Yes, players often wear headgear for protection in Rugby.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 14, 2024
What is the duration of a Rugby match?
A Rugby match typically lasts 80 minutes, divided into two halves.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 14, 2024
What protective gear is used in Soccer?
Soccer players mainly wear shin guards.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 14, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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