Basically The league code was born from the Union code. Most rules are the same with exception of 6 tackle rules, no line outs ruck or maul - wing forwards re not employed in the game so a league side is 13 players a union 15
The Rugby Union came first. Then Northern Clubs favouring different rules split off from the Union creating their own Northern 'League'. Hence, Rugby League was born.
The reason for the split was...
rugby league was born in England in 1895 - it was at that point that it established itself as a separate entity from the RFU (and therefore the game of rugby union). It called itself the "Northern...
Rugby Union is alot bigger everywhere. The only places they seem to play it is Australia and northern England. Rugby union is a much better sport anyway. Rugby Union is more popular than Rugby League...
There are many differences from rugby league and rugby union. Rugby league is predominantly a running game, each team has possession until they are tackled [taken to the ground] 5 times, after this...