Rugby
Rugby Football is the precursor to modern American Football. It developed in the latter half of the 19th century in Rugby England around the same time as Soccer. It’s a full contact sport played in two continuously running 40 minute halves. Though the rules, or laws, seem complex at first you quickly see that most of them are logically thought out to provide safety for the players and continuity for the game. Because of its dynamic nature, Rugby requires a high level of athleticism. Players must be aerobically and anaerobically fit, physically strong, able to exert a large amount of power (as with all contact sports), and have good agility and eye hand coordination. It is often said there is a position for every body type in rugby. Though there are positions, all rugby players have the opportunity to run with the ball and tackle in defense. In addition, kicking is also part of the game and players at the highest levels regularly are able to pass and kick with both hands/feet. The two biggest differences to American Football are the lack of blocking and the lack of the forward lateral. This requires players to think quickly and communicate effectively as a team to be successful. Rugby is the third most popular sport on the planet, behind Soccer and Cricket; Cricket being more popular because of its wide spread play in India and Pakistan. It is in my opinion the greatest sport on the planet, requiring strength, speed, endurance, agility, skillfulness, and toughness. It combines the best attributes of American Football, Soccer, and Basketball. It is often referred to as a game for hooligans played by gentlemen because its inherent physicality and free flowing nature requires players to have a respect for each other not often seen in other sports. Also, following every match is a social with the team you just played where the aggression of the game is left behind and you get a chance to get to know your opponents. This is unique to Rugby and is considered a very important part of the game.
Rugby in the US is in the middle of a Renaissance. An increasing number of players are gaining professional contracts in Europe and Austral-Asia and South Africa. A new College Premier League has been initiated in the US to feature games between the best programs across the country. Rugby 7s, a faster game played with 7 players per team, has been included into the summer Olympics in 2016. NBC has recognized the potential of the game and is sponsoring an annual nationally televised tournament to increase the games exposure ahead of the Olympics. Many abroad have referred to the US as a sleeping giant in terms of rugby potential. It appears the giant is beginning to wake.