Rugby

Rugby, a fast-paced and physically demanding contact sport, is gaining increasing popularity in the United States. Often referred to as the "Grandfather of American Football," rugby features two main variations - rugby union and rugby league - that share a common heritage but distinct gameplay and rules. Rugby union, the more widely played version globally, is characterized by 15 players on each side who compete to advance an oval-shaped ball down the field and score points by grounding the ball over the opposing team's goal line. Renowned for its emphasis on teamwork, strategy, and physical endurance, rugby union has a rich history with prestigious international competitions like the Rugby World Cup and the Six Nations Championship. Major rugby union competitions of interest to American audiences include the Major League Rugby (MLR), the premier professional league in the US and Canada, as well as the annual matches between the US Men's and Women's National Teams.