Rugby Union

World Rugby Rankings: the 15-a-side game of Union

Rugby union is a full-contact 15-a-side game. The World Rugby Rankings rate national teams on a points exchange system, where every Test win or loss moves points between the two teams.

Origin

Rugby is named after Rugby School in England, where the game developed in the early 1800s. Union split from league in 1895.

Fun fact

The trophy for the men's Rugby World Cup is the Webb Ellis Cup, named after the schoolboy who, according to legend, first picked up the ball and ran with it.

Strongest nations

Southern Hemisphere giants South Africa and New Zealand lead the men's game, along with Ireland, France and England; England and New Zealand dominate the women's game.

Governing body

World Rugby (formerly the International Rugby Board), founded in 1886 and based in Dublin, Ireland.