The split between rugby league and rugby union is one of the most significant and contentious events in the history of the sport. What began as a single game of rugby football in the 19th century eventually led to two distinct versions of the sport, each with its own rules, cultures, and global followings. But why did rugby league break away from rugby union?
In this article, we explore the key factors behind the split, from class divisions to financial disagreements, and the impact it had on the future of rugby.
The Origins of Rugby: One Game, Two Paths
Before rugby league and rugby union became separate entities, there was only one “rugby football”. The sport was originally played at Rugby School in England, from which it derived its name. By the mid-19th century, rugby had grown in popularity and was played in clubs across England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and Australia.
The governing body for the sport, the Rugby Football Union (RFU), was established in 1871, setting the official rules and structure of the game.
However, tensions soon arose as differences in social class, financial needs, and governance created rifts between various factions within the sport.
The Class Divide: Amateurism vs. Professionalism
Rugby Union’s Strict Amateur Code
One of the biggest reasons for the split was rugby union’s insistence on amateurism. The RFU strictly enforced rules that prohibited players from receiving any payment for playing rugby.
This policy aligned with the upper and middle-class values of the sport’s leadership. Rugby was seen as a “gentleman’s game”, played for honor rather than financial reward.
However, this created serious issues for working-class players, who could not afford to play rugby without compensation.
Working-Class Players and the Need for Payment
In contrast, many of the top rugby-playing regions, especially in Northern England, were working-class communities where players had full-time jobs in factories, coal mines, and industrial businesses. Playing rugby required them to take time off work, often resulting in lost wages.
Clubs in Yorkshire and Lancashire began calling for players to be compensated for lost wages, particularly for injuries sustained while playing. However, the RFU refused to allow any form of payment, fearing it would lead to the professionalization of the sport.
This conflict between amateur ideals and financial reality became the driving force behind the eventual split.
The Formation of the Northern Rugby Football Union (NRFU)
By the 1890s, tensions between the working-class rugby clubs in the North and the RFU leadership reached a breaking point.
On August 29, 1895, representatives from 22 clubs in Northern England met at the George Hotel in Huddersfield and voted to break away from the RFU. They formed a new governing body called the Northern Rugby Football Union (NRFU), which later became known as rugby league.
Key Differences Introduced by the NRFU
After the split, the NRFU implemented several major changes to the game, including:
✔ Players could be paid for playing rugby, allowing working-class athletes to pursue the sport professionally.
✔ New rule changes were introduced to speed up the game and make it more exciting for spectators.
✔ Over time, rugby league evolved into a faster, more attacking version of rugby, with fewer scrums, reduced team sizes, and more structured play.
These changes made rugby league distinctly different from rugby union, which continued to uphold its strict amateur traditions for nearly a century.
Rugby League’s Expansion and Global Growth
After the split, rugby league quickly became hugely popular in Northern England, with clubs attracting large crowds and significant financial investment.
Rugby League in Australia and New Zealand
The success of rugby league in England inspired players in Australia and New Zealand to adopt the new code.
✔ In 1908, the first professional rugby league competition was established in Sydney, Australia, with the formation of the New South Wales Rugby Football League (NSWRL).
✔ New Zealand also embraced the sport, with its national team, the Kiwis, competing internationally against England and Australia.
✔ Over time, rugby league became the dominant rugby code in Australia, leading to the formation of the National Rugby League (NRL), which is now one of the richest rugby competitions in the world.
The Struggles of Rugby Union
Meanwhile, rugby union struggled to maintain its amateur status. For much of the 20th century, rugby union players were forbidden from accepting payments, leading to several high-profile players defecting to rugby league.
It wasn’t until 1995—a full 100 years after the split—that rugby union finally became professional.
Key Differences Between Rugby League and Rugby Union Today
1. Number of Players
- Rugby League: 13 players per team
- Rugby Union: 15 players per team
2. Tackling and Play Style
- Rugby league features a six-tackle rule, after which teams must hand over possession.
- Rugby union allows for continuous play with rucks and mauls.
3. Scrums and Lineouts
- Scrums in rugby league are less contested and exist mostly for restarting play.
- Rugby union scrums are fiercely contested and play a critical role in set-piece tactics.
How Did the Split Impact the Future of Both Sports?
Rugby League’s Rise in Popularity
✔ Rugby league became the dominant rugby code in Australia.
✔ The NRL is now a multi-billion dollar competition, attracting some of the world’s best athletes.
✔ Rugby league is also strong in England, New Zealand, and France.
Rugby Union’s Continued Global Reach
✔ Despite its early struggles, rugby union remains the larger sport globally.
✔ The Rugby World Cup is one of the biggest international sporting events, with millions of viewers worldwide.
✔ Rugby union is played in over 100 countries, making it more widespread than rugby league.
Both sports now exist independently, with dedicated fan bases, professional leagues, and distinct styles of play.
Conclusion: A Sport Divided by Class, United by Passion
The split between rugby league and rugby union was driven primarily by class struggles and financial disagreements. While rugby union sought to preserve amateur values, rugby league embraced professionalism, making it the sport of the working class.
Despite their differences, both sports have grown into successful global competitions, with rugby union thriving at an international level and rugby league dominating club-based competition in Australia and England.
Call to Action: Learn More About Rugby’s History!
If you want to explore more about the origins of rugby league and rugby union, check out the Rugby League International Federation and World Rugby’s Official Website.
For the latest rugby league news, visit the NRL homepage and stay updated on the biggest rugby matches of the season.
See Also: How Long Does the NRL Season Go For?
