Theres has been an age old debate about what sport is more manly or less girly or just better. Of course I am talking about Rugby Union Vs American Football. Now naturally, I would support Rugby Union. But as I have got older and finally understood and now enjoy American football. It gets harder and harder to choose a side. Hence the need for this blog post. I have come up with a few categories to rate each sport in and hopefully we shall crown a winner.
Aim of the Game:
Well both sports are pretty similar in this aspect, need to get the ball (which is oddly shaped the same too), over the line. The only difference in Rugby Union you HAVE to touch the ball on the ground, but in American Football you can just catch it in the end zone.
Another similarity, is the team with the most points, wins. simple.
RU: 9/10
AF: 9/10
Rule Complexity:
Here is where we can see some differences, in Rugby Union you must throw the ball backwards (an odd concept) but in American Football its all about throwing forward.
Each sports has different rules regarding, punishments, substitutions and general game play rules that affect game play. However, American football has more rules and are slightly more based on the judgements of the referee.
The pitch sizes are different as well, the rugby union pitch is 20meters bigger than an American Football pitch. However, it probably goes without saying the American football stadiums are A LOT bigger!
Rugby Union is played in 40 minute half's, the time is stopped for injuries etc. But in American football, its played in 15 minute quarters, but stopped each time a play has broken down.
Another interesting fact is the amount of players in the game. Rugby union can only have 15 out field players with around 5 substitutes. However, in Professional American Football there can be 11 out field players with lots of subs. But the main difference is in American football there is essentially an attacking team and a defensive team for each team. I think this only increases the complexity of the game. As a Sport scientists I can see how it can make a difference to play like this, but as a sports fans its gets a little more confusing.
RU: 7/10 (the higher the score the easy to follow)
AF: 4/10
Average Rating (for big events):
The biggest event for American football is of the Super bowl, which 167 million people tuned into the Super bowl in 2012! Making this the most viewed broadcast in American history!
But, the Most watch final in Rugby Union History was the England vs Australia 2003 final, it was broadcasted in 205 countries and 3.5 BILLION people tuned in!
RU: 9/10
AF: 7/10
Global Awareness:
Rugby Union is played across over 100 countries a study concluded in 2012. Whilst only 62 nations play American Football.
This may be due to that fact that American football is just a variation of Rugby Union.
RU: 9/10
AF: 7/10
The Bigger Hitter:
Last, but certainly not least the most probably talked about subject between these two sports. Who tackles harder? Pads Vs No pads? Who wins..... This videos finds out using Sport Science, Or if you can be bothered to watch then drum roll please..........
(Drum Roll!)
The Biggest Hitter Award goes to: BOTH!
American Football may hit harder, but Rugby Union hits more! So I think I shall split 50/10 here.
RU: 5/10
AF: 5/10
Total Score for each is as follows:
RU: 39
AF: 32
So the end scores were close, but RUGBY UNION just pinches the win!
Hope you find this as interesting and fun to read as I did to write!
Until next time...
Wally Woman x
