Workout

RL:For either sport, people get fit to play rather than play to get fit. With 13 players (there are 15 in an RU team), Leaguers generally run more. Most of the forwards and all the backs have to be agile, fast and fit. 5/5

RU:Formerly played by plump public schoolboys, RU now attracts athletes, too. The modern player needs to be able to accelerate, jump and sprint, and also to twist, bend and turn, so must be fast and nimble. 4/5

Strength and physique

RL:Most players have strong legs as all are involved in dummying and tricking their opponents. As the fulcrum of the defence, the prop has to be extremely strong and also quick on his feet. 4/5

RU:With serious scrums and aggressive rucks, RU is great for building big shoulder, chest and arm muscles. Players require core strength, derived from the deep abdominals that help stabilise the spine and pelvis. 5/5

Thrill factor

RL:Limited to six tackles before being obliged to hand over the ball to the opposing team, players are wont to run hard and fast to make progress up the pitch; at its best, RL is adrenaline-fuelled. 5/5

RU:Can be a sport of spasms and stalling - with scrums, line-outs and injuries interrupting play - but players often say there is a deep pleasure in getting bruised and muddy, and crashing into opponents. 4/5

Popularity

RL:With its origins in the working classes, RL is very popular in its northern heartland - especially along the M62, from St Helens to Hull. Best suited to young players; senior pros and amateurs carry lots of injuries. 5/5

RU:Though sometimes regarded as a toffish southerners' sport, RU now attracts lots of ex-RL players and also enjoys a big following among women - both players and spectators. 4/5

Injuries

RL:Injuries to the ankle ligaments are common during summer play, when the ground is dry and hard, closely followed by knee injuries. Concussions and fractures are surprisingly low. 4/5

RU:Scrums are tough on the bones and muscles. Shoulder damage, dead legs, hamstring and calf strains, concussion and neck nerve root compressions - stingers - are all a risk. 3/5