Playingfootball

In  contrast  to  England  and  Scotland,  Rugby 
Union  football  is  far  more  popular  than 
ordinary  football  in  Wales.  Here,  instead, 
rugby is their national sport during the winter 
season.

Rugby  Union  football  is  often  called  rugger, 
a  name  often  used  at  English  public  schools 
where  the  game  is  commonly  played.  Public 
schools  are  actually  exclusive  private,  fee-
paying schools where the pupils live and study. 
Apart from Rugby School, Eton, Harrow and 
Winchester  are  typical  examples  of  public 
schools where rugger is played.

Gaelic and Australian Rules football
Gaelic  football  was  first  started  as  a  village  free-for-all  in  Ireland, 
and gradually developed into an alternative form of football to the 
game played in Britain. Gaelic football is played between teams of 
15 players using a round ball and a low net between H-shaped rugby 
posts. It is even played in parts of the US.

Australian Rules football was originally introduced to Australia by 
the Irish community living there. It was first played as Gaelic football. 
The rules were then changed so that the game is now played between 
two teams of 18 players on an oval field with an oval ball which is 
passed by kicking or striking it with the hand. The object is to score 
points by putting the ball between a set of four posts which are placed 
at either end of the field.   

Rugby is the national sport in Wales. © 
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“Playing the game”

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“Playing the game”

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True or false?

True  False

  1.  Football is by far the most popular sport among     

people from England and Scotland.