What is more popular rugby union or football?

Answer 1

Rugby union and NFL "gridiron" may seem alike but it is actually way different.

Rugby union fans will argue that NFL is too boring, hence the stoppage after each tackle to commence with the next down, changes between, defence, offence, and special teams, Time outs, play clocks etc. and that NFL players are not as tough as Rugby players due to all the padding. Those gridiron guys get beat up pretty bad. The two main differences is that in Rugby union the focus is on the ball carrier and the breakdown, were in NFL the focus is on the recievers and the quarterback.

So its hard to say what is the better sport, as we can only say that the Rugby world cup is the third largest viewed sport worldwide, but I have never seen 100 000 people packed into a stadium to watch a "varsity cup" or even tri nations game, as the Americans do at the Rose bowl.

so its all about preference. its like comparing Ice Hockey to soccer, very simmilar in practice but way way way different.

Answer 2

Football is the second most popular sport... before Golf! Rugby is 3rd.