Rugby, originating in England and initially recognized as Rugby Football, has a rich history that has seen its influence spread globally.

Over time, the sport has continuously developed and adapted in various countries, resulting in unique forms of rugby.

Notably, nations like the United States, Canada, and Australia have crafted their game versions with differences in fields, equipment, rules, attire, and team compositions. The two major categories that have emerged are English rugby, often called soft rugby, and American rugby, or hard rugby.

Distinguishing between American and English rugby reveals contrasts in both style of play and cultural influences. One significant dissimilarity lies in the attire worn by players. English rugby players, akin to soccer players, typically eschew protective gear, earning the moniker "soft rugby."

In contrast, American football players must wear specific protective clothing, earning it the epithet "hard rugby." This difference in approach to safety is reflected in the popularity of English rugby, with approximately 140 countries and regions actively participating in the sport.

Notably, the equipment used in the two variants of rugby further underscores their distinctions. The size of the ball, a vital component of the game, is shaped like an olive. In China, the sport is known as "Rugby" due to this unique ball shape.

While English rugby employs a size five ball, American rugby opts for a slightly smaller nine-ball, facilitating easier ball passing. The variation in ball size highlights the nuanced differences that have evolved in the development of the sport across different regions.

Another facet where the two rugby styles diverge is their playing durations and team compositions. American football operates on a 60-minute game divided into four 15-minute quarters, emphasizing a structured and segmented approach.

On the other hand, English rugby aligns more closely with soccer, featuring an 80-minute game divided into 40-minute halves. Additionally, the number of players on the field differs significantly, with American football allowing 11 players per team and English rugby featuring 15 players per team.

The dynamics of ball movement and scoring methods further distinguish American and English rugby. In American football, the ball predominantly moves forward, albeit with exceptions. In contrast, English rugby strictly prohibits ahead passes, necessitating players to pass the ball backward to a teammate.

This rule contributes to a distinct style of play, emphasizing strategic positioning and teamwork.

Scoring in the two versions also showcases variations. American football offers three ways to score points: touchdowns (6 points), free kicks (3 points), and safeties (2 points).

In English rugby, scoring is limited to touchdowns (5 points) and field goals (2 points), with additional points available through penalty kicks (3 points) and drop kicks (3 points). Furthermore, teams can opt for an extra 1 or 2 points after scoring a touchdown in American football, depending on their chosen scoring method.

Cultural differences between Britain and the United States have profoundly influenced English and American rugby trajectories. While American rugby has embraced commercialization extensively, English rugby has grappled with the juxtaposition of aristocracy, commercialization, and professionalism.

This cultural divergence has steered the development of rugby in two distinct directions, making it more than just a sport; it reflects the values and priorities of the societies that have shaped it.

In conclusion, despite their shared origins, English and American rugby have evolved into two distinct sports, each with its unique characteristics and cultural influences.

The differences in protective gear, ball size, playing time, team composition, ball movement, scoring methods, and cultural perspectives contribute to the diverse tapestry that rugby represents on the global stage.

While English rugby enjoys wider popularity, the appreciation for each variant is subjective, and both have their merits in the rich tapestry of global sports.