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Thought some people here might be interested in learning about the ancient game of cnapan, played in Wales as far back as Middle Ages, predominantly in West Wales.
Here's the wikipedia entry: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cnapan
It bares some loose similarities to rugby, with some form of 'forwards' and 'backs', some missive pile ups aking to scrums, and a toss up of the ball aking to lineouts. Of course there are some massive differences, teams up to 1,000 were common in some popular areas such as Ceredigion and Pembrokshire. The ball used was a greased up solid piece of wood, to make it difficult for players to keep hold of the ball. There was often no real goal or try lines, instead the game was stopped once the ball had travelled several miles into the opposition parish or it simply got dark.
I'd heard of the sport before, but never really looked into how it was played etc. Sounds like a brutal sport in its original format.
Edit: another interesting article: http://www.rugbyfootballhistory.com/originsofrugby.htm
Many other similar sports were being played throughout the UK during the middle ages. Quite interesting.
Here's the wikipedia entry: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cnapan
It bares some loose similarities to rugby, with some form of 'forwards' and 'backs', some missive pile ups aking to scrums, and a toss up of the ball aking to lineouts. Of course there are some massive differences, teams up to 1,000 were common in some popular areas such as Ceredigion and Pembrokshire. The ball used was a greased up solid piece of wood, to make it difficult for players to keep hold of the ball. There was often no real goal or try lines, instead the game was stopped once the ball had travelled several miles into the opposition parish or it simply got dark.
I'd heard of the sport before, but never really looked into how it was played etc. Sounds like a brutal sport in its original format.
Edit: another interesting article: http://www.rugbyfootballhistory.com/originsofrugby.htm
Many other similar sports were being played throughout the UK during the middle ages. Quite interesting.
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