The Webb Ellis' game

When the young William Webb Ellis caught the ball in his hand and ran during a football match, he had no idea what great sport he had invented back then. Rugby, in its several variations, is played all around the globe and unites million around the passion for the oval ball. A sport that is more than a sport, it is a lifestyle.

A very physical game but at the same time a strategic game in which what will count the most is your capability to focus on the game, know what to do at the right time and your passion in every movement. Anyone can play Rugby from the fat guy to the skinny nerd boy. People tend to think that the most important thing is your body strength but what really counts is your discipline (be there for your team and not for yourself); your attitude (give a 110% for your team and not for yourself) and respect (leadership is gain by actions not by words).

An old English saying goes – “football is a game for gentlemen played by ruffians and rugby is a game for ruffians played by gentlemen". In no other sport the respect for the rules and the other players in the pitchy is more important than in Rugby, because any disrespect for the laws may cause serious injuries in both sides, therefore Rugby created a culture to frown on unsporting behaviors. In rugby there is no simulation, no tons of complaints with the referee and no mocking gestures towards an adversary.

I've known and liked Rugby since the word cup in 2003 and since then it has really grown on me the desire to play the sport. Last wednesday, by an invitation of a friend of mine, I went to my first Rugby practice. It was one of the most painful and tiresome experience in my life, but at the same time one of the most rewarding ones. You can’t help to have a smile on your face when you leave the field. Because of the university and health problems I will not be able to train regularly this year. But I am looking forward for the next year to start to practice again and play my first game.

The Rules of the Game
A cool video that will give you the basics to watch a match



The Haka History



The Real Haka



Football vs Rugby