FOR:
It is a question that is as old as the sports themselves and yet still to this day, there is no conclusive argument to suggest which rugby code is better: Union or League? It was 1895 when rugby league first split from rugby football, creating the two forms. Initially the rules were the same, however soon the laws of the game were modified and these days, there are distinct differences between the two games.
In the UK, there tends to be a North-South divide when people are asked which they prefer; go North of Birmingham and youÔÇÖll begin to notice the backing that rugby league has, whereas in the south, union is the game. There is a clear explanation for this ÔÇô look at the spread of both sets of club sides: In a league of 12 Aviva Premiership Rugby Union clubs, only 2 of those are can be classed as ÔÇÿNorthern sidesÔÇÖ and in the 14 team Super League only London Broncos represent the south, while Wales boast no teams.
As it happens, the Rugby League World Cup came to England and Wales last week. I can conclusively tell you that, 2 weeks ago, I, along with so many other sport fans, would not have known that. There has been minimal media hype surrounding it and interest seems pretty low ÔÇô I mean, this is a world championships! These are the worldÔÇÖs best players in their sport coming to Cardiff or Neath or Wrexham and all the other stadiums hosting – opportunities to go watch them donÔÇÖt come around too often and yet no one seems to care. It says a lot that the 5,000-capacity Gnoll Stadium in Neath has been included as a venue for the tournament. If youÔÇÖre only expecting 5,000 through the doors for a home nation World Cup match, then clearly something is wrong.
Compare that to Rugby Union where there is more excitement and expectation for a World Cup that doesnÔÇÖt even start until 2015 than the one that kicks off next Saturday. ItÔÇÖs not just the World Cup though ÔÇô┬á every match of every venue will sell out in next yearÔÇÖs 6Nations. We can expect 81,000 in le Stade de France, 80,000 at Twickenham, 72,500 at the Millennium Stadium, 68,000 at Murrayfield, 50,000 in Aviva Stadium and even so called ÔÇÿminnowsÔÇÖ Italy have been forced to move out of their 25,000 Stadio Flamini because itÔÇÖs not considered big enough.
The distinct difference in popularity is just one of many factors which make rugby union a much better sport and a better spectacle than rugby league. The rules in league make it extremely difficult to win possession from your opponents and a contest where one side dominates the ball for sustained periods of time is no fun at all. Although it is suggested that rugby league is a faster paced game, the constant battles for possession, tactical plans and build up in suspense at the breakdown sets rugby union apart as far superior sport. It seems mad that to win the ball in a game of rugby league you have to wait for a kick or mistake from ref or player, whereas Union incorporates tactics, strategy and in some cases power; a far more captivating way to turn possession over.
IÔÇÖm not an avid hater of Rugby League and I will be watching the World Cup, but I do and always will favour Rugby Union, simply because it’s the better sport.
James Harris
Twitter: JamesHarris38_
AGAINST:
Arguing the case for Rugby League in the city that hosts one of the most vibrant Rugby Union spectacles (the Welsh 6Nations home game) was always going to be difficult. On an international level, at least, Rugby Union far outstrips League for support  and Ill bet most reading this think little of something considered a predominantly Northern sport. However, Rugby league has graced this city on numerous occasions with great success.
The games promise fantastic and unpredictable play; expect fluent passing, plenty of end to end action and crucially, an element that top level Union often lacks; tries.
In the Challenge Cup final, which took place in Cardiff during the Wembley rebuild, consistently attracting over 70,000 fans. I was at Wembley this year for my paternally-adopted team Wigan Warriors lifting the cup. I was sat in a packed Wembley, surrounded by fans of teams who were not even playing. This is a distinct element of League, there is a real sense of family. The whole stadium rose to the tune of ÔÇÿabide with meÔÇÖ pre-kick off, a truly awe-inspiring spectacle.
The tournament will feature great stories, such as the Burgess Brothers turning out for England, and the tale of the original trophy which went missing for 20 years will likely be told again.
LetÔÇÖs not overlook the games though; the worldÔÇÖs most expensive player, Sam Tomkins, will in all likelihood be the bright spark for England. Tomkins is a player who can produce moments of magicwith quick feet and incredible vision, while Sonny Bill Williams, the cross-code star of New Zealand.┬á is also tipped to shine. Not just a rugby union world cup winner, Williams is a champion heavyweight boxer and will be key to the All BlacksÔÇÖ defence of their solitary World Cup title. He started out in League, but as so many do, switched to Union. I feel this tends to be done with an eye on the bank account, particularly in the UK with the Super League salary cap, the consequence of such is that some of the greatest union figures, such as 2003 world-cup winning try scorer Jason Robinson, learnt their skills in League. The theme of Union learning from league continues with the constant rule changes that look to emulate the speed of LeagueÔÇÖs play-the-ball game after each tackle. Too many union games get bogged down in re-doing scrums and too much game-time is lost with all players piled over the ball, going nowhere.
Some will claim that the hard-hitting, gruelling nature of a good ruck embodies the toughest elements of rugby, something league cannot hold its own with. Incorrect, however, as recent research by the Warrington Wolves found that the impact of tackles during a rugby league match are the equivalent force of a 50mph car crash. That measures a pretty chunky 14 in G-force; a space shuttle launch only reaches 3G!
To round up, this World Cup will be a spectacular event. DonÔÇÖt just cheer on your team; be that 5th-ranked Wales or the total outsiders Cook Islands, cheer on the sport. You wonÔÇÖt be alone in watching it for the first time; one in four tickets sold have gone to new fans. So, I invite you, switch codes and join them.
Marc Mayo
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