Origin Ancient Greece
Quick Rules During an 80-minute match, two 15-player teams run an oval ball toward the opposition's goal line.
Scoring A five-point "try"—the most common scoring method—occurs when the ball crosses the goal line, much like a football touchdown.
Pain Factor ♦♦♦♦ Watch The Churchill Cup, an international rugby championship, returns its opening rounds to Denver on June 5 through June 13. Tourney play kicks off at Glendale's Infinity Park, where the U.S. team takes on Russia. www.churchillcuprugby.net
Origin Australia
Quick Rules An ancestor of professional football, this full-contact battle features two 18-person teams on an oval field.
Scoring Players kick the ball through two upright central posts (six points) or two shorter, outer posts (one point).
Pain Factor ♦♦
Watch The Denver-based Bulldogs have won seven national championships in the U.S. Footy League. Check out their weekday scrimmages at Washington Park (Wednesday: 6-8 p.m.) or watch the group's first-ever men's and women's tourney on Saturday, June 19. www.denverbulldogs.com
Origin Ireland
Quick Rules Players use a curved stick, called a "hurley," to move a small ball up and down the field in a 60-minute match (think: field hockey).
Scoring Players score by putting a small ball over (one point) or under (three points) a goalpost's crossbar.
Pain Factor ♦♦♦
Watch The Denver Gaels' male hurlers play on Sundays at 2 p.m. through mid-July. All matches are held in Cook Park. www.denvergaels.com