Rugby has really taken off in Japan in recent years. The country hosted the Rugby World Cup in 2019, which significantly boosted its popularity. Now, it's not uncommon to see kids running around with rugby balls in parks. Many Japanese schools have also included rugby in their sports programs. So, from my perspective, rugby in Japan is growing rapidly and is becoming one of their favorite sports.
full articleAs a passionate rugby fan, I've noticed that some people simply call it 'rugby' instead of 'rugby union.' This usually happens because rugby union is the more popular and globally recognized form of the sport, so when people say 'rugby,' they're often referring to rugby union by default. Additionally, the other main variant of rugby, 'rugby league,' has a smaller following and is less well-known internationally. It's also worth mentioning that rugby union has a longer history, originating in the 19th century, which may contribute to its prominence. So, when people call it 'rugby,' it's likely because they're referring to the more popular and traditional rugby union.
full articleThe oldest rugby club in England is the Blackheath Football Club, founded in 1858. This club is the oldest continuously-operating rugby team in the world, and it was the first club to be founded for the purpose of playing the sport of rugby. The club has a long and storied history, with its members having played a major role in the development of the game. Blackheath has a proud tradition of giving back to the sport, and it continues to play a big part in the world of rugby to this day. Its players have gone on to represent England at international level, and the club continues to be a major force in the development of the game.
full articleRugby is becoming increasingly popular in the United States as more people become exposed to the sport. Although it is not as popular as it is in countries such as Australia, New Zealand and England, it is gaining traction in the US and has been labeled a “sleeping giant” in terms of potential growth. Rugby is one of the fastest growing sports in the US, with participation increasing by more than 80% since 2010. The USA Rugby organization is working hard to make the sport more visible, particularly at the collegiate level. Additionally, the USA Sevens tournament, held annually in Las Vegas, is one of the biggest rugby events in the country. Overall, rugby is slowly but steadily growing in popularity in the United States.
full articleThis article looks at the biggest fall from grace in the history of Rugby. It examines the cases of two players, former England Captain Mike Tindall and former Australian Captain George Gregan. Tindall had a successful career before being stripped of the captaincy after a drunken night out during the 2011 World Cup. Gregan's fall from grace was due to his decision to publicly criticize the Australian Rugby Union in the run-up to the 2007 World Cup. The article concludes that while both players experienced a fall from grace, the greater impact on the game was felt by Gregan due to the public nature of his criticism.
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