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Super Rugby

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Super Rugby is a rugby game released for the Famicom by ZAP and TSS. Though it shares its name with the Super Rugby international rugby union, the latter was formed years after this game's release so the name is coincidental. It is also not to be confused with the 1994 Super Famicom game Super Ru...

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Developer
Zap

Released on
1989

Size
1–2 Players

Version
NES

Requirements
Nintendo Entertainment System

Downloads
Sports

Publisher
TSS

ESRB Rating
Not Rated

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Description

Super Rugby is a rugby game released for the Famicom by ZAP and TSS. Though it shares its name with the Super Rugby international rugby union, the latter was formed years after this game’s release so the name is coincidental. It is also not to be confused with the 1994 Super Famicom game Super Rugby.

The game uses a top-down perspective of the pitch with the two sides oriented vertically, and the player is able to assign points to various stats before playing a match to focus on certain areas of their playstyle. Options include a one-off “Training” exhibition match, a “League” game which pits the player against several CPU teams, and a “Vs.” mode for two human players to compete.

Super Rugby

Overview & History

Released exclusively in Japan in 1987 by Tomy for the Famicom, *Super Rugby* is an intriguing early attempt to translate the grueling sport of rugby union into an 8-bit digital format. Long before EA Sports dominated the genre, this title capitalized on the rising popularity of the sport in Japan. While it never received a Western localization, it holds a cult following among retro collectors for its unorthodox perspective and ambitious scope, attempting to balance arcade-style pacing with team management elements.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

Unlike standard side-scrolling sports games, *Super Rugby* utilizes a top-down, vertical-scrolling pitch perspective that mimics a coach's tactical view. Players control an entire squad, orchestrating complex offensive line-drives and defensive formations. The core gameplay loop revolves around possession, requiring precise timing to execute lateral passes (*tokushu pasu*), rucks, and mauls while avoiding aggressive AI tackles. Kicking for touch and attempting field goals introduce meter-based timing minigames that demand high precision. Although the sprite work is simple, the game accurately reflects the brutal attrition of rugby, featuring stamina depletion mechanics that force players to execute strategic substitutions between halves to maintain competitive speed.