Rugby union is the fascinating contact sport that is absorbed by millions across the globe. Particularly popular in Europe and Australasia, this wonderful game conjoins a fierce brutality with ancient ideals of respect and fair play.

The origin of rugby union lends itself to one of the most endearing urban legends of modern history. The story tells, that one wintery afternoon a young public school boy by the name of William Webb Ellis, tired of the monotony of association football, picked up the ball with his hands and began to run with it, thus creating the sport we now call rugby. Many historians have continued to question the tale, however it is widely considered that some form of the game did emerge form the public school that bears its name.

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The laws of rugby union may perplex those across the pond, and in remote parts of Europe, the notion of lineouts, scrums, rucks and mauls, doing nothing but confuse. However, in essence, it is a very simplistic team sport. The objective is to move the ball from one end of the field to the other, without dropping it or passing the ball forwards. Inevitably the opposition are hell-bent of preventing this occurring, so the process is interrupted by a number of collisions, in which physical strength and fight is used to retain possession of the egg-shaped object. Throw in a few kicks, some cauliflowered ears and a mud bath or two, and you end up with the gripping sport that is rugby union.

The IRB (International Rugby Board) host a series of worldwide competitions on a regular basis, which draw in thousands of fans every year. The most famous of these perhaps, is the World Cup, occurring every four years, with the most recent taking place in France in the summer of 2007. The World Cup is relatively infantile in comparison to sports such as Football and Cricket, the inaugural tournament as late as 1986. Over the years, the William Webb Ellis trophy has moved over three continents, currently residing with current world champions South Africa.

The oldest national rugby union competition is the 6 Nations Championship (previously 5 nations), which stretches back over 125 years. England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, France and more recently Italy, do battle for a trophy steeped with history and national rivalry. As well as the competition itself, there are other incentives and trophies to be one during this 6-week period between February and March. A victory over all nations merits the coveted Grand Slam, whereas triumph over the three other home nations, by the Scots, Welsh, English or Irish, is rewarded with the Triple Crown. Wales are the current holders, soaring to the grand slam in 2008.

Other notable competitions include the Tri-Nations, which sees the age old Aussie - Kiwi rivalry joined by the Springboks of South Africa, as well as major domestic trophy’s such as the Heineken Cup and the Super 14.

Contested in a number of countries world wide, rugby union is a fantastically spirited game that continues to grow.