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5 Things You Didn’t Know About Rugby Union

Rugby union is a game loved all over the world and while we may all know the basics of the game and who are favourite players are, here are five unique things you probably didn’t know about the sport:

#1 First international match won by Scotland

While Scotland have never come beyond fourth place in a Rugby World Cup like they did in 1992, they do have the title of playing (and winning) the first-ever international match against everyone’s favourite home nation, pantomime, rugby villains – England, in 1871.

It was played in Edinburgh to a crowd of 4000 spectators who all saw England defeated 1-0 by the home team. 1-0? Yes, 1-0. This is now the perfect segue onto another thing you probably didn’t know about rugby…

#2 Tries never used to be worth points

Yep, that’s right, tries used to be exactly that, – tries.

Getting the ball over the opposition’s goal line was all for the opportunity to kick at goal – the only way to score points in rugby union at the time. It’s hard to imagine the game now where a hard-fought try, won by moving through the phases, keeping possession of the ball, and remaining disciplined and calculated could all be worth nothing.

#3 Women’s Rugby rankings are quite varied

Even people who don’t follow rugby are probably aware of the dominance of New Zealand’s men’s national rugby team the All-Blacks have on the international rugby union stage. Those who follow a bit closer are probably aware of some other household nations who frequent the top 10 ranked international teams, such as Wales, Scotland, South Africa, and even Argentina.

However, the list looks a bit different when looking at the international women’s rankings. While New Zealand are very formidable, it is England who dominates international women’s rugby currently. But there are also some surprise inclusions in the top 10, such as Canada in third place, and the USA, Italy, and even Spain making the cut. Maybe a British & Irish Lionesses team would have fared better?

#4 The 2027 Rugby World Cup

As it stands, the Rugby World Cup 2027 is looking like it might be hosted by either two-time previous hosts Australia, or surprisingly, Russia – a nation not usually synonymous with rugby.

World Rugby has indicated a strong preference for the 2027 tournament to be hosted by an emerging nation such as the Putin-backed bid from Russia. The USA, another emerging nation, is also rumored to be potential hosts although they have yet to make a formal bid for the rights, which is a surprise considering…

#5 Rugby union is the fastest-growing sport in the USA

With the vast infrastructure, wealth, and keen national interest in contact sports such as American football, it’s no surprise to learn that rugby union is the fastest growing sport in the USA.

Although they have been international competitors since the stage was first set in 1987, the USA have never broken out of the pool stage, with only a couple of wins against Russia and a novice Japan side. But now with an established North American rugby union championship, the MLR, what’s stopping them from emulating their former equals, Japan, and becoming top contenders? Is it possible we may see a Boston miracle? Only time will tell!