Rugby union is a team sport played with an oval ball on a rectangular field. Each team consists of 15 players, and the objective is to score points by carrying the ball over the opponent's goal line or kicking it through the goalposts. The game is divided into two halves, each lasting 40 minutes, and features various methods of play, including scrums, lineouts, and open play. The sport originated in England in the early 19th century and has since grown in popularity worldwide. Major international competitions include the Rugby World Cup and the Six Nations Championship, showcasing the best teams from different countries.