Sport & fitness

Rugby and football (soccer) share the same ancient origins – rough and often violent games between neighbouring villages, using an inflated pigs bladder. There are many differences between the modern games of football and rugby, but the most obvious ones are that football uses a round ball, while rugby uses an oval ball. The ball may also be carried.

The full name for rugby is ‘rugby football’ because Rugby School, an English private school, became famous for a game of this type in the 1800s.

For many years, rugby was an ‘amateur’ sport, which meant even the best players were not paid. This was not a problem for wealthy players. However, working men could not afford to take time off to play matches. In the 1890s, some clubs in northern England decided to pay their players. This was not approved by the Rugby Union (the organisation that set the rules), so the northern clubs formed their own sport, Rugby League. It is sometimes known as ‘Northern Rugby’.

Today, both Rugby League and Rugby Union are professional sports. The Six Nations Championship and Rugby World Cup are Rugby Union events. Rugby League has its own World Cup.

There are slightly different rules between the two games (sometimes called ‘codes’ of rugby):

• Rugby Union: 15 players, 8 substitutions allowed. A try (touchdown) = 5 points, a penalty goal/drop goal (field goals) = 3 points, conversion goal (touchdown conversion) = 2 points.
• Rugby League = 13 players, 10 substitutions allowed. A try = 4 points, a conversion goal/ penalty goal = 2 points, a drop goal = 1 point.

For many, supporting a sports team is an important part of life. Some people are so dedicated that they never miss a game played by their team – even if it is far away on a Monday night, or abroad.

People often choose a team because of a personal connection (maybe the town they grew up in or because the team is also supported by a family member). People will usually support this team for ever, even if it doesn’t do very well. In fact, to many followers of sports teams, success is largely irrelevant. The team provides a sense of belonging and identity. If the team does well, then that is a bonus.

The length of a cricket match can vary between two hours or a day – up to five days! These very long games are referred to as Test matches and take place between nations worldwide.

Every summer two national teams will visit Britain and contest a series of Test matches and shorter games throughout the summer months. Teams from India, Pakistan, South Africa or New Zealand attract big crowds, but the biggest attraction is the visit of the Australian national team. This takes place once every 4 years and is known as ‘The Ashes’. The two sides compete for a tiny trophy (15cm tall) containing the ashes of cricket equipment burned in 1882 when England lost to the Australians for the first time. So famous are these contests between England and Australia, you may hear a cricket fan refer to the year as an ‘Ashes summer’.

‘The season’ is the name given to prestigious social events over the spring, summer and autumn. Many – but not all – are sporting events. The Season starts in March with the Cheltenham Literary Festival and is followed by horse races known as the Grand National (April), Epsom Derby (June) and Royal Ascot (June).

Also included are events such as the Wimbledon tennis championship, Henley Royal Regatta (rowing, July), and Cowes Week (sailing, August).

Be aware ‘the season’ is also used to mean to the months when it is legal to shoot game animals. Some animals can be shot all year round – this is called Open Season.

This is the name for sports that usually involve hunting and catching animals, for example deerstalking, flyfishing and foxhunting. Country sports also include some activities that do not involve killing animals, for example clay pigeon shooting and archery.

In the past, these sports were sometimes known as ‘field sports’

• The Scottish Association for Country Sports has information about country sports across the UK.

There are bowling clubs in most towns across the country. Bowls is a very old sport of skill and judgement where players roll large black balls towards a small white target ball (the ‘jack’). However, the black balls are not round and they roll in a curve, so getting them close to the jack can be quite difficult.

There are two variations of the game. Lawn bowls is played on a perfectly flat piece of grass (known as the ‘green’) and crown green bowls is played on a grass surface shaped like an upturned plate (known as the ‘crown’).

Because of the gentle nature of the game, bowls can be enjoyed by players of all ages (Meghan Markle is a fan), but is particularly popular with older members of the community.

The world’s oldest green is Southampton Old Bowling Green, which dates from 1299.

• See the Bowls England website for more information.

Darts is a sport where you throw 3 sharp metal sticks (the darts) at a circular board with different numbers on it (the dartboard). The number where each dart lands gives you that number of points; the aim is to get as many points as possible. The maximum is 180 – for this you would need 3 darts landing in the centre (the bullseye), which is worth 60 points.

Darts started as a British pub game, and is now played internationally. There are 2 World Championships: the PDC World Championship and the BDO World Championship, plus other high profile events. These darts matches are fun and loud: people come to watch wearing silly costumes, while the competitors style themselves as heroes or villains and encourage the audience to shout.

Many people enjoy raising money for charity while doing a sporting activity, for example a marathon or long walk. They ask people to donate some money if they manage to finish. This is called sponsorship. Some people raise thousands of pounds this way.

Charity events are a chance to meet other people and have some fun. Costumes are part of this. Sometimes the costume actually makes the marathon a lot more difficult, but it also makes people laugh – and gets into the news.

In the London Marathon 2019, someone did the marathon dressed as Big Ben, the famous tower from the Houses of Parliament. There was also a person dressed as a glass of beer.

Often the costumes have a serious message too. For example, one person had a rhinoceros costume to highlight the charity Save the Rhino, and another was dressed as a telephone to promote a charity called the Samaritans (which has a telephone helpline for people who are feeling depressed).

Data from Sport England in 2020 shows that walking, running, fitness classes, gym sessions and cycling are the most popular sporting/fitness activities.

These are mostly activities that can easily be done alone. If you want to be with other people, there are (for example) running clubs or cycling clubs.

The most popular social sports for men and women are football, badminton and tennis.

Golf is also very popular (England has over 1,800 golf courses). About 80% of registered players are men.

Among women, other popular activities include netball, boxing, dance and equestrian events.

Many sports are available in Britain – from caving and mountaineering, to dragon boat racing and parachuting. There are very few sports you cannot take part in.

The Sport England website lists the national associations for most sports (be aware you need to click on the ‘+’ at the bottom of the page to open the list). Or you can download a current list (PDF).

The Sport England website lists the national association website for each type of sport. You will be able to find local clubs via the national association.

The Sport England website lists the national associations for most sports (be aware you need to click on the ‘+’ at the bottom of the page to open the list). Or you can download a current list (PDF).

Be aware that rugby clubs called RFC might be Rugby Union or Rugby League, while RUFC is a Rugby Union club and RLFC is a Rugby League club.

You don’t have to actually play sport to get involved with sport. There are many opportunities for sports volunteers in your local area. This could be helping as a supervisor, event organiser, treasurer or by making refreshments. Speak to a local sports group to find out more, or see the volunteering website Do It.

Many places have artificial ski slopes. They might be outdoors without snow (‘dry ski slopes’) or indoors, with snow. There are also ice rinks across the country.

In Scotland there are five natural ski resorts (Cairngorm, Glenshee, The Lecht, Nevis Range and Glencoe). The season usually runs from December to April. Sometimes there is enough snow to ski in the Lake District, Cumbria.

There are people who enjoy swimming in some of our rivers and lakes. This is known as ‘wild swimming’.

Be aware this can be dangerous because the water can be very cold or contain toxic algae. It might also be polluted, especially after heavy rain. Unfortunately, water companies regularly pump untreated sewage into rivers.

At the moment, only 400 beaches or lakes are official bathing sites that are regularly checked (find a list and more advice on the main government website). Over 200 people died in 2019 from accidents in water around Britain, including lakes, rivers, canals and the sea.

To stay safe, do not go swimming alone. Cover any cuts with a waterproof plaster – there is a danger of Weil’s Disease (leptospirosis) in some places. Read about Weil’s Disease on the National Health Service website.

Do not swim in canals, they are shallow and can be dirty.

Typically people in the gym like to focus on their workout and don’t want to chat. If you just want to make friends, it could be better to join an exercise class or sports club.

People are sometimes a bit more chatty in the sauna, steam room or hot tubs.

The friendliest place is the water cooler. But most people rarely talk to people they don’t know.

When you first go to an exercise class, take a bit of time to see where others stand. In most groups, there are people who go regularly and may like to stand in the same place. Wait until the class is about to start, then find a space.

In general, people are rarely naked around strangers. For example, in the communal showers of a public swimming pool, people will wash with their swimwear on. Swimwear is also expected in a public sauna or steam room.

There can be exceptions, however. For example, it is common for groups of men (sports teams, gym groups etc) to get changed in front of each other.

No. This means everything except underwear. For some massage (Thai massage, for example) you keep all your clothes on.

There is no law saying anyone must wear a helmet. But many use a helmet for safety or to set an example to children.

Yes. Bicycles must have as a minimum:

• Two brakes
• Amber reflectors on the pedals
• Red reflector at the back
• After sunset and before sunrise you need lights: a white light at the front and a red light at the back.

The Cycling UK website has more information about cycling rules, which can be confusing.

It is illegal to ride a bicycle on the pavement, although pavements marked with cycle paths are OK.

Children can cycle on the road at any age, but you must keep them safe and make sure they do not cause an accident.

Road rules can be found in the Highway Code. This can be found on the main government website. Be aware it is illegal to ride a bicycle through a red traffic light.

The only passenger you are allowed on a bicycle is a child in a special bicycle seat.

You are allowed to cycle without insurance. However it is a good idea to have insurance – not just for your bicycle, but also in case you accidentally hurt another person or cause damage. You can read more on the Cycling UK website.

A MAMIL is used to describe a stereotype of someone who is a keen cyclist: a Middle Aged Man In Lycra…

Angling means fishing with a rod and line. It is enjoyed by people of all ages. There are two types of fresh water fishing in Britain: ‘game fishing’ (for salmon and trout) and ‘coarse fishing’ (for other fish). These names reflect that fact that salmon/trout are delicious, while most coarse fish are not very nice to eat.

Be aware that fishing in Britain has lots of rules and you might not be able to eat the fish you catch. You must have a rod licence in England and Wales, or written permission in Scotland.

• Find out more about angling in general from the Angling Trust website.

Freshwater fishing is a popular sport in Britain, but there are lots of rules in England and Wales, in particular.

For general details about where to fish and types of fish see the Canal & River Trust website.

England and Wales general rules

• Anyone over the age of 12 must have a rod licence, or you might have to pay a fine of £2,500.
• If you are on private land, the landowner must write you a letter saying you are allowed to fish.
• No fishing is allowed on rivers between 15 March to 15 June each year. Fishing on canals or lakes is allowed all year.
• You are allowed to catch a few fish each day: 1 pike (Esox lucius) up to 65cm; 2 grayling (Thymallus thymallus) sized 30–38cm; and 15 small fish (up to 20cm) including barbel, chub, common bream, common carp, crucian carp, dace, perch, rudd, silver bream, roach, smelt and tench. Be aware most of these are very bony and not tasty.
• Eels (Anguilla anguilla) are protected, so must be put back in the water alive.
• All unwanted fish must be returned to the water alive
• There are rules about the equipment (called ‘tackle) you can use.

Make sure you read all the rules for your area before you start because they are different across the country. You might have to pay a fine if you break the rules.

The Angling Trust website has more information.

Scotland general rules

In Scotland, there is no national licence, but you must get a permit from the landowner. It is a crime to fish for salmon without permission, for example. Each river has its own rules, and there are permitted seasons for fishing certain types of fish. You can find out more in local post offices and fishing shops.

Yes, and don’t need a rod licence if you fish only in the sea (for instance from a boat, pier or beach).

If you fish near a river by the sea you will need a rod licence. If you don’t have one, you might have to pay a fine of £2,500.

Be aware there are some rules about sea fishing:

• Eels (Anguilla anguilla) and two types of shad (Alosa alosa and Alosa fallax) are protected, so must be put back in the water alive
• Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) are very restricted. You can only keep 1 bass a day. Bass shorter than 42cm must be put back alive
• Salmon (Salmo salar), brown trout (Salmo trutta) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) are river fish, so you would need a rod licence, even if you catch them in the sea!
• Some beaches are in Marine Protected Areas where fishing is not allowed (even if you release the fish afterwards). Currently these are Flamborough Head, Lundy Island and the Medway Estuary. More are likely.

The British Sea Fishing website gives lots of useful information about sea fishing..

Anyone over the age of 12 who wants to fish in freshwater in England and Wales needs a rod licence. The licence helps to main towards fish and river conservation.

The kind of licence you need depends on the kind of fish you want to catch, the number of rods you can use, and the area of the country you are in (each area has its own rules).

Junior rod licences are free for anyone aged 12–16. For adults, prices vary depending on the type of fish. You must carry the licence on you when you go fishing.

If you are on private land, the landowner must write you a letter saying you can fish there. On locks or weirs in the River Thames (in/near London) you will need a special extra licence. If you don’t have the right licence you might have to pay a fine of £2,500.

• Go to the main government website to find out more. You can also buy a rod licence from a Post Office.

The UK has very strict laws about the ownership of guns. Having a gun is a privilege, not a right.

Only some types of gun (or ‘firearm’) are legal, for example some shotguns, rifles and air rifles. Some low-power air rifles do not need a licence. For anything more powerful, you must have a firearms licence from your local police.

It is difficult to get one. You will need at least one British resident to say you will not be dangerous. You must be registered with a GP and aged 17 or over. The police will visit your house too.

Go to the main government website for more information.

There are strict rules about which animals you can catch and how you do it.

• Bows or crossbows are not allowed.
• Most people use guns, but there are rules about the type of gun (you might need a firearms licence).
• Shooting on a Sunday or Christmas Day is usually not allowed.
• You must ask the landowner for permission (it is best to have written permission)
• You must not cause unnecessary pain to the animal
• Only a few types of animal or bird can be hunted. The time of year they can be hunted is called the ‘season’ – it is illegal to hunt outside this time. Some animals have ‘open season’ and can be hunted all year round.
• It is illegal to hunt most wild animals and birds, including swans (Cygnus olor) and birds of prey (owls, hawks etc).

You can go to prison if you break the rules.

• The main government website gives basic rules.
• For more details about shooting seasons, see the British Association of Shooting and Conservation website.
• If you find a bird of prey that has been killed, report it on the Operation Owl website.

This is a name given to August 12, which is the official start of the grouse shooting season. It continues for 121 days until December 10 (excluding Sundays).

Grouse are large wild birds that are native to Britain. They live on heather moors in northern England, Wales and Scotland. They are very difficult to shoot because they are so fast. They are also tasty and can sometimes be found on restaurant menus.

Foxhunting is an activity that involved horses and dogs and was traditionally only done by the upper social classes. Special clothing and events have made it a distinctive part of rural history.

It is now illegal to hunt foxes with dogs, but some people take part in a similar activity using a pre-arranged scent trail. Read more about it in our blog post.