Changes

Despite its English origins, rugby gained popularity amongst the smaller British nations of Scotland, Ireland and Wales.  Through emigration, British colonies in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa developed also a strong following.  Unusally, the game was also adopted in France who formed one of the "Five Nations" teams that compete in the annual northern hemisphere competition.  This has recently been expanded to Six Nations with the addition of Italy.  Other countries wher the game is popular include Argentina and various southern pacific islands.

Despite its English origins, rugby gained popularity amongst the smaller British nations of Scotland, Ireland and Wales.  Through emigration, British colonies in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa developed also a strong following.  Unusally, the game was also adopted in France who formed one of the "Five Nations" teams that compete in the annual northern hemisphere competition.  This has recently been expanded to Six Nations with the addition of Italy.  Other countries wher the game is popular include Argentina and various southern pacific islands.

Mini versions of the game have also been developed, such as Rugby Sevens, where only seven players are in a team

Mini versions of the game have also been developed, such as Rugby Sevens, where only seven players are in a team. Rugby has typically been a physical contact sport for men but alternative versions such as touch rugby where a player is obliged to release the ball when touched rather than physically tackled have also been developed.

[[American Football]] derives from rugby, which itself evolved out of many ancient and prehistoric ball games.

[[American Football]] derives from rugby, which itself evolved out of many ancient and prehistoric ball games.