Rugbyurheilu

Rugbyurheilu, commonly known as rugby, is a contact team sport that originated in England in the early 19th century. It is played with an oval-shaped ball, and the primary objective is to score points by carrying, passing, or kicking the ball into the opponent's goal area or by kicking it through their goalposts.

The sport is typically played on a rectangular field with 15 players per team in rugby union, or 13 players in rugby league, which are two main variants of the game. The rules differ slightly between these versions, but both emphasize physicality, strategic play, and teamwork. Players engage in running, tackling, rucking, mauling, and scrummaging, which are distinctive aspects of rugby's physical nature.

Rugby has a global presence, especially popular in countries such as New Zealand, South Africa, England, Australia, France, and Wales. International competitions include the Rugby World Cup, held every four years, which is the sport’s most prestigious tournament. Regional competitions and club leagues also play a significant role in the sport's competitive structure.

The sport promotes values of respect, discipline, and camaraderie. It also emphasizes player safety, with regulations designed to minimize injuries from tackles and collisions. Rugby's governing bodies, World Rugby for union and the Rugby League International Federation for league, oversee the rules and development of the game worldwide.

Rugby gained recognition for its inclusive and community-oriented culture, often associated with strength, endurance, and strategic thinking. The sport continues to grow, with efforts to expand its reach and promote safety and fair play across all levels of competition.