What is the difference between rugby union and rugby league?
Rugby union and rugby league are two separate games that evolved from a common rugby origin. The original split in 1895 was over the issue of paying players. Rugby Union held out as a strictly amateur sport whereas rugby league became professional (at least at the highest level). The split was extremely acrimonious; so much so that a painting of a rugby match that had been commissioned had players who defected to league erased! For a 100 years, rugby union authorities stuck to their principles and steadfastly refused to permit player payments. It was also against the union rules on amateurism for union players to be involved in any way with league. Even as late as the 1970s it was normal for union players who switched to league to be ostracised and not invited to team reunions etc. However, in August 1995, in the face of widespread abuses (in the form of under the table payments, player trust funds, etc) and pressure from the top players who were being expected to put in many hours of
