Photo via Rugby World

Rugby Union v Rugby League: As the Rugby League World Cup kicks off, we outline the differences – and similarities – between the two codes

As the Rugby League World Cup commences, fans of the 15-player union code may find the 13-player league format distinct due to its lack of lineouts and mauls. While both games share an 80-minute duration and backward passing requirements, league utilizes a play-the-ball restart after tackles and mandates that defenders retreat ten meters, whereas union employs competitive rucks and scrums involving eight players per side.

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