15 reasons why being a rugby supporter is better than being a football supporter

Pretty self-explanatory really but here are my 10 biggest reasons that rugby is better than football (or soccer for our American friends)

1.The experience

Rugby fans are a great bunch, we all seem capable of getting along even in the biggest of games without the need for a hefty security presence.

2. Respect

The respect isn’t just confined to the fans however as rugby players at least have the decency to show each other respect in both defeat and victory.

3. FIFA

World Rugby isn’t an organization that shelters orphans or cures affliction, but next to FIFA it looks like the Red Cross.

4. Money

Since the dawning of the big money Premier League era, football has become a victim of its own success. Lots of clubs and even country's have lost the identity which made them so special.

5.Grit 

There isn’t much chance of seeing rugby players diving, feigning injury or attempting to con the referee. In fact, a rugby player is much more likely to try to manipulate the referee by pretending not to be hurt.

6. Internationals

The importance of internationals in football is rapidly diminishing whereas in rugby they are the absolute pinnacle for players and fans alike. Nothing unites a nation like a major rugby international.

7. The tackles

Simply watch and enjoy.

8. Blood

As rugby becomes more and more savage in the professional era, blood substitutions are a regular occurrence. It may be slightly morbid to enjoy them, like watching F1 for the crashes, but it speaks of a certain grit that football just can’t muster.

9. The Passion

Players love their clubs, but nothing can compare to playing for your country. 

10. Songs

There’s no denying that Swing Low, Sweet Chariot is rousing stuff – and that’s before you get to the Celtic eye-moisteners of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau and Flower of Scotland.

11. Fans can Drink at the Games

Of course, you don’t need alcohol to enjoy sport but as a day out experience, it’s always likely that fans will want to have a few social drinks before and after. The near two-hour break in between drinks can drain you of energy.

12. Players Respect the Referee

The amount of abuse dished out to football referees goes too far. There can’t be a game without a referee and yet they are treated as the enemy. In rugby, players can often disagree with officials, but they do so with respect.

13. Fewer Draws

Unless you have come back from a goal down within the last five minutes, there’s something quite unsatisfying about a draw.

14.There is more than one way of scoring points

Variety is the spice of life. Football is simple. The ball crosses the goal-line = 1 goal. In rugby, you’ve got tries, conversions, penalties, penalty tries and drop goals.

15. We’re actually quite good at it