Comparison of rugby league and rugby union 1 in league. A penalty goal is worth 3 points in union and 2 points in league. Use of a penalty box (or "sin bin") was introduced by rugby league in 1980. Rugby union had been experimenting with the same concept since 1979, although it was not formally sanctioned until 2001. Video referee technology was first used for rugby league in 1996 and for rugby union in 2001. In rugby league the ball may be thrown or knocked out of play deliberately, while in union those are penalty offences. Kicking the ball out of play is legal in both codes.
Ray Nelson (rugby union) Ray Nelson (rugby union) Ray Nelson (born June 11, 1961 in Glasgow, Scotland) is a former rugby union player who played fullback for the United States national rugby union team. Nelson played in 25 test matches for the United States from 1983 to 1991, starting in 23. Nelson represented the U.S. at both the 1987 and 1991 Rugby World Cup. Nelson's 13 points and perfect 4-for-4 goalkicking in a 1987 World Cup match gave the United States its first ever World Cup win in a match against Japan. Nelson scored 28 points for the U.S. at the 1987 and 1991