Sports Talk

Rugby union vs rugby league: what's actually the difference?

With the Rugby League World Cup on in Australia, my nephew asked me what the difference is between that and the rugby we usually watch. I realised I couldn't explain it beyond 'fewer players'.

I know league has 13 players and union has 15. I know there's something about tackles. Beyond that I'm bluffing.

Could someone give a fair, simple explanation of the main differences? Not which is better, I don't want to start a war. Just how they actually differ on the pitch.