Understanding Football Caps: Meaning and Significance

Question
what is meant by a cap?  as in, "he's the most capped player on their side"

Thanks,
Traigh

Answer
Traigh,

Per the dictionary at scrum.com:

"Cap - anytime a player plays in a match he/she is technically awarded a cap but the term is mostly used to note the number of official games a player has appeared for his/her national team against another national team. A cap is an honor, there is typically no physical item awarded."

In the distant past, English public school caps were actually given to the players.  These school traditions have had a heavy influence on the traditions of the sport of rugby.

As scrum.com stated, generally the term capped refers to a player who has played on his/her national side against another national side.

I hope this is of some use.

Deane Shephard
President- OPSU