Why (The Heck) Do the Brits Play Rugby When They Could Easily Oust It for a Manlier Sport Like American Football?

When it comes to deciding between sports, the British have a storied tradition with rugby, a sport that has captured their hearts and minds for generations. Yet, it raises the question: why continue with a sport that one could argue is less manly when there are alternatives available?

The Myths of Manliness in Sports

One prevalent argument against rugby is its lack of protective gear. Many people, especially athletes who play more aggressive sports like American football, perceive rugby as a "soft" sport. They might ask, ldquo;How can a sport without helmets and body armor be considered manly?rdquo;

Comparing Physicality in American Football and Rugby

Let's break this down. American football, often seen as the more aggressive of the two sports, is played in brief, intense episodes separated by short bursts of activity. Players have time to breathe and celebrate with high fives, even during junior games. When it comes to rugby, the physicality is consistent, and the pace never really slows down.

In an American football game, there are 30 to 40-second bursts of action followed by a water break, oxygen, and high fives. In rugby, an all-out battle for forty minutes is common. There are brief breaks for referees' decisions and blood injury, but players rarely leave the game, often continuing with injuries.

In American football, a player with a split lip is rushed to the emergency room for facial reconstruction surgery and is out for up to six months. Rugby players, on the other hand, often continue to play with minor injuries. Consider a notable rugby match where one All Black punched an English player unconscious. After regaining consciousness, the English player begged the referee not to send the All Black off, and both players continued to play, battling it out until the end of the game, when they shook hands and went for a beer.

Rugby: Violent Yet Fair Sportsmanship

Rugby is a sport known for its rough-hewn nature and fair play. Players who excel in the sport are often seen as paragons of sportsmanship. Their ability to continue playing despite injuries reflects a sense of commitment and camaraderie that transcends the physicality of the game.

Prima donnas in the NFL (National Football League) earn an average of one million dollars per game and have state-of-the-art medical treatments at the field. Even the rugby ball is bigger and harder, requiring more physical strength and dexterity.

It's worth noting that while American football players are equipped with more extensive protective gear, the physical demands and injuries in rugby are still significant. Rugby players often carry multiple injuries while continuing to play, showcasing a different kind of resilience and toughness.

A Personal Perspective

As someone who has played both rugby and American football, I can say with certainty that my experience with rugby was challenging. The long periods of inactivity between encounters made it less appealing, and the constant need to stand around waiting for the next play or decision was grating. The notion of standing around while another player executes numerous plays, seemingly under the ever-present watch of a referee or opponent with binoculars, adds an element of paranoia and distrust that can take the joy out of the game.

My old coach once remarked, ldquo;Why would you want to play rugby while wearing a car?rdquo; This statement succinctly captures the essence of why American football can be seen as a more practical and pleasurable alternative.

Conclusion

While rugby undoubtedly possesses its own unique charm and allure, it's difficult to argue that American football is not a more manly sport. American football requires a combination of physical strength, resilience, and rapid strategic thinking. Rugby, while equally fierce, lacks the necessary protective gear and shorter, more active gameplay that many find more satisfying.