There are some questions we forget to ask ourselves, so ingrained are they in the collective imagination. Have you ever wondered why the rugby ball is oval and not round like in soccer or basketball? Let's not forget that rugby in its modern form is a recent sport, celebrating its 200th anniversary this year, during the Rugby World Cup 2023! As in American soccer, the ball is a different shape, which is why rugby circles use the term ovalie. But do you know why?
According to legend, this shape was not at all expected, and comes from a combination of circumstances. A group of schoolchildren were playing soccer in the English town of Rugby in 1823, and the ball deflated to the point where it could no longer be used with the foot. Seeing this, the young William Webb Ellis decided to pick up the ball and flatten it in the opponent's goal, squeezing it so tightly that it became oval! Today, the World Cup trophy is named after this man.
Of course, this is just a story, widely questioned, but too late, since it has since become part of rugby culture. In any case, this shape was retained, as it was more practical, as the ball was easier to catch and keep close to the body. The result was a lot of twists and turns during matches, as the oval ball's bounces were often very unpredictable!
Rugby World Cup 2023: all the latest news and information
It's on! From September 8 to October 28, 2023, the sporting world will be buzzing with excitement as the Rugby World Cup comes to France! Here's everything you need to know about France's chances, the opening match and the schedule! [Read more]
Rugby World Cup 2023: all the latest news and information
