July 2023 Rugby Archive – Compare Rugby & American Football, History & World Cup FAQ

Welcome to the July 2023 roundup from Rugby World Central. In this month we tackled three hot topics that many fans ask about: which sport feels better, which one came first, and where the 2022 Rugby World Cup was supposed to happen. Below you’ll find quick answers, a bit of background, and why these questions keep popping up.

Which is the better sport: American football or rugby?

The debate between American football and rugby isn’t new, but it’s worth breaking down the basics. American football thrives on set plays, a lot of gear, and moments that feel like a chess match frozen in time. Rugby, on the other hand, runs continuously, has fewer pauses, and demands that every player stay on the field for the whole game. If you love strategy and the thrill of a big hit every few seconds, football might click. If you prefer a flowing, nonstop contest where stamina matters more than gear, rugby could feel more natural. In the end, there’s no objective “winner” – it’s all about what vibe you enjoy.

Was rugby invented before American football?

Yes, rugby definitely predates American football. Rugby’s roots trace back to early 1800s England, famously linked to a schoolboy named William Webb Ellis who supposedly picked up the ball during a soccer match. American football didn’t start to shape up until the late 19th century in the United States, borrowing heavily from both rugby and soccer rules. That means rugby is the older sibling, and many of the tactics we see in football—like the forward pass—evolved from rugby’s early experiments. Knowing this timeline helps explain why the two games feel familiar yet distinct.

Finally, we cleared up the 2022 Rugby World Cup confusion. The tournament isn’t an annual event; it runs every four years. The last edition was in Japan in 2019, and the next one is set for France in 2023. So there was no World Cup in 2022, and the hype you might have heard was just a mix‑up. Keeping the schedule straight saves a lot of mixed‑up expectations, especially when fans are planning trips or watching TV.

All three posts share a common thread – fans love a good back‑and‑forth on sport history and preferences. Whether you’re scrolling on a phone during a break or diving deep on a weekend, the answers here give you a solid foundation. If you’re still torn between the two sports, try watching a live rugby match and a football game back‑to‑back. Feel the pace, notice the gear, and see which vibe sticks.

Got more questions? Drop them in the comments or swing by our community forum. We love a lively discussion and always have fresh takes on the latest games, player moves, and historic moments. Keep checking the archive for more July‑style deep dives, and stay tuned for August’s lineup – we’re bringing in player profiles, tournament previews, and a look at how rugby is growing worldwide.