What are the most popular sports in the world? Objectively, soccer is the king of sports with the biggest fan base worldwide, American football has the highest monetary value, and basketball is the most universally loved – it has fans all over the globe. All these, along with tennis and cricket, dominate the sports news, leaving little to no spotlight on some of the most entertaining disciplines – like Rugby Union. In this article, we’d like to give you five reasons to set the usual suspects aside and focus your attention on this magnificent sport.
It’s all over the world
The best-known rugby union teams worldwide are the All Blacks (the New Zealand national team) and the Springboks (the South African national team). The latter also happens to be the best in the world – at least for the next four years, when the next edition of the Rugby World Cup will be held. This is something all Rugby World Cup betting fans eagerly await.
But rugby is not specific to the southern hemisphere. Rugby union teams are worldwide, from the US (the Eagles) to Tonga (the Sea Eagles). Wherever you live, chances are you have a national team to root for.
Tough players
Some people think of American football as the toughest sport in the world. Indeed, it has a high percentage of injuries – concussions mostly. But imagine a sport where players do much of the same, only with little to no protective gear.
Rugby players can wear mitts, shoulder pads, mouthguards, headgear, goggles, chestguards, and shin guards – but many only wear the latter. Some players’ protective helmet – called “scrum caps” – is mostly used to prevent cauliflower ear. Otherwise, the padding these players wear is their muscles.
It’s hardcore
Rugby union teams consist of some of the country’s toughest guys. And these guys engage in fast-paced, aggressive gameplay, where tackles are hard-hitting and can be incredibly painful. What’s not to like?
It’s a true team sport
Rugby is all about teamwork. Individuals have no chance to perform well in the field. Rugby players rely on each other to move the ball across the field. The rugby team works as a single entity, with every player knowing exactly what to do. The players switch between defence and attack, and every player is ready to take the ball to the goal.
The haka
“Haka” is a ceremonial dance performed by the Māori people on various occasions. The best-known variant is the one performed by warriors preparing for battle. This is probably why the New Zealand national rugby team – the All Blacks – perform it ahead of their matches.
The first haka before a rugby match was performed by the New Zealand native team in 1888 in the UK. The New Zealand national team was, in turn, the first to perform the “Ka Mate” haka in 1905, which makes the tradition way more than 100 years old.
The All Blacks performing the haka ahead of their matches is a very impressive display of tradition – and very cool to watch.
Here they are – our five reasons to watch rugby union. It is a fun game to watch between the hardcore action, the tough players, and the incredible display of teamwork.
