Rugger vs. Soccer — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 8, 2024
Rugger, commonly known as rugby, involves carrying, passing, and kicking a ball to score, with physical contact and tackling, while soccer focuses on footwork and strategy to score goals, primarily using the feet.
Difference Between Rugger and Soccer
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Rugger, or rugby, is a game characterized by its physicality, including tackling and scrums, where players can carry the ball and contact is integral. Soccer, on the other hand, emphasizes skillful footwork and strategy, with physical contact heavily regulated and direct handling of the ball prohibited except by goalkeepers.
Rugby matches involve scoring through tries, conversions, penalty kicks, and drop goals, allowing a variety of methods to accumulate points. In contrast, soccer scores through goals struck into a net, with each goal counting as a single point, making scoring generally less frequent.
The rugby ball is oval and designed to be carried and kicked, whereas the soccer ball is spherical, optimized for kicking and dribbling. This difference in ball design significantly influences the playing style and tactics of each sport.
Rugby teams consist of 15 players in union or 13 in league, reflecting the sport's need for specialized roles in tackling, passing, and strategic positioning. Soccer consistently uses 11 players per team, emphasizing stamina, speed, and tactical positioning.
Rugby has a culture and rules that celebrate physical contests and strategic use of space and possession. Soccer, while also strategic, places higher importance on continuous play and finesse, with rules like offside and fouls designed to maintain fairness and safety.
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Comparison Chart
Objective
Score points by tries, conversions, and kicks.
Score goals by getting the ball into the opposing net.
Ball Shape
Oval, facilitates carrying and kicking.
Spherical, designed for kicking and dribbling.
Player Contact
High physical contact with tackling.
Limited contact; physical tackles are penalized.
Number of Players
15 in union, 13 in league.
11 players per team.
Scoring
Multiple scoring methods with varying points.
Goals count as one point each, only method of scoring.
Compare with Definitions
Rugger
Another term for rugby, a contact sport with high physicality.
They played rugger during college, enjoying the teamwork and rough play.
Soccer
Played with a spherical ball, optimized for foot dribbling.
The soccer ball was dribbled past defenders with impressive skill.
Rugger
Played with an oval ball designed for carrying and kicking.
He passed the oval rugger ball deftly to his teammate.
Soccer
Goals are scored by striking the ball into a net.
He scored the winning goal in the soccer match with a powerful kick.
Rugger
Involves scoring through tries, conversions, and kicks.
The team's excellent rugger skills led them to score several tries in the match.
Soccer
Includes specific positions like forwards, midfielders, and defenders.
As a midfielder, her role in soccer is crucial for both defense and attack.
Rugger
Features scrums and lineouts as forms of restarting play.
The rugger match featured intense scrums that tested both teams' strength.
Soccer
Governed by rules like offside and specific fouls to regulate play.
The soccer player was flagged offside just as he was about to score.
Rugger
Known for its culture of respect and sportsmanship.
Rugger is respected worldwide for its ethos of discipline and sportsmanship.
Soccer
A global sport focusing on footwork and strategic play.
Soccer is played by millions around the world, from street games to professional stadiums.
Rugger
Rugby.
Soccer
A form of football played by two teams of eleven players with a round ball which may not be handled during play except by the goalkeepers.
Rugger
(uncountable) rugby
Soccer
A game played on a rectangular field with net goals at either end in which two teams of 11 players each try to drive a ball into the other's goal by kicking, heading, or using any part of the body except the arms and hands. The goalie is the only player who may touch or move the ball with the arms or hands.
Rugger
(US) rugby player
Soccer
Indoor soccer.
Rugger
A form of football played with an oval ball
Soccer
Association football.
Soccer
(Australian rules football) To kick the football directly off the ground, without using one's hands.
Soccer
A football game in which two teams of 11 players try to kick or head a ball into the opponents' goal
Common Curiosities
What is a try in rugger?
A try is scored by touching the ball down in the opponent's goal area, earning significant points.
What are the main physical differences between rugger and soccer?
Rugger involves full contact including tackles, while soccer restricts contact to minimize fouls and injuries.
Can you use your hands in soccer?
No, only the goalkeeper is allowed to use hands; all other players must use their feet, head, or torso.
How long does a typical rugger match last?
A rugby match typically consists of two halves, each 40 minutes long, with a short halftime break.
Is soccer known by another name?
Yes, soccer is commonly known as football outside of North America.
Are there different types of rugby?
Yes, there are mainly two types: rugby union and rugby league, each with different rules and player numbers.
How does player substitution work in soccer?
Soccer teams can make a limited number of substitutions during the match, usually three, except in special circumstances.
What's the role of a soccer referee?
A soccer referee enforces the rules, calls fouls, starts and stops play, and ensures the match is fair and safe.
Can rugby be played without contact?
Yes, variations like touch rugby or tag rugby minimize or eliminate contact.
What happens during a rugby scrum?
A scrum is a way to restart play, with forwards from each team interlocking and pushing against each other to gain possession of the ball.
What are the key skills for a soccer player?
Key skills include dribbling, passing, shooting, and strategic positioning.
How are rugby and soccer similar?
Both sports require teamwork, strategy, and skill to score points or goals against opponents.
Why is rugger less popular globally than soccer?
Rugger's complexity and physical demands make it less accessible than the more universally appealing soccer.
What is offside in soccer?
Offside is a rule violation where a player is positioned too close to the opponent’s goal line ahead of the ball and the second-last opponent.
What equipment is essential for playing soccer?
Basic equipment includes a soccer ball, cleats, and shin guards to protect players.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
