PILA explains the difference between rugby league and rugby union goal posts

Despite their shared origins, rugby league and rugby union have taken on distinct forms since the schism between the codes more than 100 years ago.

Explaining that differences between the codes extend to goal posts, PILA Group Marketing Coordinator Melissa Johnson explains "while it may be hard for an outsider to distinguish between the two sports, there are enough differences to make rugby union and rugby league incompatible for any easy merger – not that fans would tolerate such a consideration anyway."

Johnson adds "a difference that mostly goes unnoticed is the size of the goal posts.

"Both codes use 15 metre high goal posts for the premier levels of competition with the top edge of the crossbar exactly 3 metres from the ground.

"However it is the length of the crossbar and hence the distance between the goal posts that differs.

"According to the NRL’s Laws of the Game, rugby league goal posts stand 5.5 metres apart (while) the ARU stipulates that rugby union goal posts are 5.6 metres apart.

"(Otherwise) all other ways these goal posts are identical."

Johnson concludes that there does not seem to be any discernible reason for the variation, and in most cases it is not a concern, "given that both games are often played on the same field, most are fitted out for one or the other.

"If you do have an exclusive field it is advisable to meet the standard."

PILA sport is a specialist manufacturer of premium quality aluminium sports goal posts and field barrier systems. Each product is designed and constructed in-house in Australia from high-strength marine grade 6063 T6 aluminium.

With its wealth of experience, PILA can assist clients and others with advice on rugby union and rugby league goal post purchase.

Click here here to contact PILA Group via their entry in the Australasian Leisure Management Supplier Directory.

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